Decalcification

Due to presence of calcium salt in tissue thin

Sections are not obtained. This calcium salt can be damage
cutting edge of knife. So this type of tissues (Bony tissues must
be decalcified before processing).
Decalcification is divided into process like tissue
selection, fixation, decalcification, acid neutralization and
washing
1 Selection of tissue:-
Bony tissue and clarified tissue are
selection for decalcification. By using sharp knife 4.5mm size
slia is obtained
2. Fixation:-
The tissue is then, fix in standard fixator i. e form a
line
3. Decalcification:-
Decalcification is carried out by chelating
agent which binds with calcium and remove it. Removal of
calcium is done by using electrophoretic technique.
Decalcification is carried oil at the temp between 55-56⁰c.
4. Acid Neutralization
 After decalcification tissues are neutralized with weak
alkali for e.g. sodium sulphate.
5. Washing
Tissues are dipped in water overnight or in alcohol for 2-4
hours to remove excess alkali.
Gooding and Stewart’s fluid is generally used as decalcified
fluid. Other decalcified fluids are Jenkins fluid; formal nitric acid
and EDTA which has great power of binding and shows good
staining result.
Electrophoretic decalcification is carried out on the basis
of attraction of positive calcium ions to negative electrodes by
passing electric current in solution. Solution used is generally
equal volume of 8% HCL and 10% Formic Acid.