Decalcification is a technique for removing calcium from tissue specimens in order to permit medical and scientific observation, and this method is an important step in processing tissue and bone marrow biopsies. Preparing specimens for examination under microscopes is an important aspect of the decalcification process as well.

Calcium is a hard substance that must be removed before specimens are able to be cut into thin slices or sections. Without removal of calcium from bone or calcified tissues, specimen sections may not cut smoothly, and torn or ragged features may result. Cutting edges of fine instruments may be damaged as well.

Many decalcifying products contain additional chelating agents to remove minerals from tissue samples. A prime concern is that while removing calcium, fine cellular structures, and details of red blood cells, muscle tissue, or cancer cells may be lost. Buffers may be incorporated into solutions in order to prevent possible distortion and swelling of cells and diagnostic features. Solutions are also formulated so that specimens undergoing processing retain affinity for stains that are subsequently applied, so that details of cellular structures may be revealed.

BACK TO LOES MODDERMAN GALLERY

Questions or comments? Send us an email.

Photomicrographs are © 2000-2022 by Loes Modderman.
All Rights Reserved under copyright law.

© 1995-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, software, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.

This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Last modification: Friday, Nov 13, 2015 at 01:18 PM

Access Count Since February 15, 2002: 10554

Microscopes provided by: