Decalcification techniques

The cutting of thin sections by ordinary methods is impossible in the case of teeth, bone, and many pathological lesions that have become partly calcified. Such hard tissues must be treated to remove calcium and phosphate salts that are deposited in them by a process known as "Decalcification", thereby making the tissue soft enough to be cut by the microtome knife. The choice of decalcifying agent, and method would be largely dictated by the urgency of the procedure i.e. whether biopsy report is awaited by the surgeon, purpose of the study (either research or diagnostic), time and equipment available etc. Sections must be carefully studied so that correct conclusions are drawn. Distortion and macerations can be demonstrated by the use of chemicals not attributable to pathological conditions. The study was done to estimate the ideal decalcification technique which included 6 different decalcifying solutions (5 acids & 1 chelating agent)- 10% formal nitric acid, 8% formal nitric acid, 10% formic acid, 8% formic acid, Perenyi's fluid and 14% EDTA.