Re: Calcium lumps in para block
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From: | Katri Tuomala <katri@istar.ca> |
To: | "P. Emry" <emry@u.washington.edu> |
Reply-To: | |
Date: | Tue, 13 Apr 1999 21:52:48 -0400 |
Content-Type: | text/plain; charset=us-ascii |
P. Emry wrote:
>
> Dear Netters,
>
> I am cutting decalcified specimens of jaw joint in paraffin blocks. On
> occasion, I run into what appears to be tiny lumps of calcium that leaves
> holes across the specimen as it is pulled across the knife. Is there a
> way to deal with this IN the block?
>
> Thanks for your time.
>
> Trisha Emry
> U of Washington, Seattle
Hi Trisha,
You could try to "surface" decalcify in 5% nitric acid or other stronger
decalcifying solution. Trim into the block carefully and then put it
face down into a small amount of decal solution in a weigh boat. Check
at intervals of 10-30 minutes, trying to cut a section. Decalcification
will happen only 2-3 sections deep, after that repeat above if needed.
Katri.
Katri Tuomala
Anatomic Pathology
St.Joseph's Hospital
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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