Strong mineral acids

Strong acids such as hydrochloric or nitric acid at concentrations up to 10% are

the most rapid in action.
Weaker organic acids
Formic acid is a moderate acting decalcifying agent which produce better nuclear
staining and less tissue distortion.
Chelating agents
Chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetracetic acid, work by capturing the
calcium ions from the surface of the apatite crystal, slowly reducing its size.
Sonication with EDTA
Used to accelerate decalcification of trephine specimens for subsequent
molecular analysis.
Microwave oven Decalcification
Microwave treatment has been used with hydrochloric acid decalcifiers but the
raised temperature may damage morphology and cause staining artefacts.
Ion-exchange resins
They are added to the container holding the decalcifier and take up the ionized
calcium maintaining the effectiveness of the acid.
Electrolytic decalcification
Bone is placed in acid decalcifier and attached to an electrode through which
current is applied.