What is the consequence of calcium remainingin tissue after decalcification?
It will stain dark purple with hematoxylin and is difficult to section with a rotary microtome.
This can ruin the microtome blades.
What should be done if a section cannot be obtained from an under-decalcified bone?
Place the faced surface in 5% HCl, let it soak for a few minutes, wipe the acid off, and section turning the fly wheel slowly.
This is a recommended course of action for improving sectioning.
What is the effect of overdecalcification on tissue specimens?
It is harmful and most noticeably affects the staining of the nuclei.
Care should be taken to decalcify to the desired point.
What factors influence the choice of a decalcifying agent?
Specimen type, time, and cost.
Some decalcifiers work faster than others, impacting the choice based on urgency.
What are two types of decalcifying agents mentioned?
- HCl
- EDTA
HCl works fast but can overdecalcify, while EDTA is slower and gentler.
What is the recommended action after decalcification is complete?
Remove the specimen from decalcifying fluid and rinse in tap water for several hours.
This prevents continued decalcification and poor staining.
What can happen if decalcifying solution is left in the tissue?
Decalcification will continue past the desired point, resulting in poor staining.
The nucleus will appear pale with no counterstain evident.
True or False: HCl is a preferred decalcifier for rush specimens.
False
HCl can easily overdecalcify tissue, making it necessary to check often.
