Decalcification Quiz

Question 1

The principle of acid decalcification depends on:
a) the dissociation of electrovalent bonds of a calcium salt
b) the formation of chelates
c) an oxidation/reduction reaction
d) the dissociation of covalent bonds of a calcium salt
e) the formation of an insoluble precipitate

Answer 1

d) the dissociation of covalent bonds of a calcium salt

Question 2

The most critical point before initiating decalcification is:
a) the tissue must be no greater than 5 mm thick
b) the tissue must be well fixed
c) the tissue must be neutralized
d) fixation artifact pigment must be removed
e) tissue must be processed

Answer 2

b) the tissue must be well fixed

Question 3

The essential factors in obtaining good bone sections is/are:
a) thorough fixation before decalcification
b) complete decalcification, but not prolonged immersion in the decalcifying fluid
c) use of vacuum infiltration
d) correct orientation
e) all of the above

Answer 3

e) all of the above

Question 4

A white precipitate is seen on completion of the chemical test for determining the end-point of decalcification. The precipitate is:
a) calcium hydroxide
b) calcium carbonate
c) calcium phosphate
d) calcium sulphate

Answer 4

a) calcium hydroxide

Question 5

When mercuric chloride containing fixatives are used the best test to determine end-point of decalcification is:
a) X-ray
b) physical means
c) all of the above
d) none of the above

Answer 5

b) physical means

Question 6

Methods for decalcification include all of the following, EXCEPT:
a) nitric acid
b) chelation
c) electrolyte methods
d) Carnoy’s Fluid
e) Formalin acid-sodium citrate

Answer 6

d) Carnoy’s Fluid

Question 7

Which of the following chelating agents is used in decalcification:
a) EDTA
b) hydrochloric acid
c) phenol
d) trichloroacetic acid

Answer 7

a) EDTA

Question 8

After the completion of decalcification, the specimen should be placed directly in:
a) acetone
b) alcohol
c) fixative
d) water

Answer 8

d) water

Question 9

Which of the following is not considered suitable for decalcification:
a) nitric acid
b) sulphuric acid
c) formic acid
d) Goodings and Stewart’s fluid

Answer 9

b) sulphuric acid

Question 10

Which would be the best technique for determining the end-point of decalcification of tissue fixed in Zenker-Formol solution:
a) X-ray
b) chemical test
c) pliability
d) electrolysis
e) neutralization with ammonia

Answer 10

b) chemical test