Hi Everyone,

We process a lot of decalcified tissue, hips, knees, etc. A new artifact
(new to us at least) has recently appeared. It is a brownish
pigmentation in the cartilage and seen microscopically. Has anyone ever
seen this before? Does anyone have a clue as to what may be causing it?

Nothing has changed with the way we decalcify. We use formical 4 as a
decalcifier. A general procedure that varies somewhat with individual
specimens is to: put in formalin for 3 days, cut with saw and put back
in formalin for 2 days, then put in formical 4 for 3-4 days.

Hope someones knows!

Thanks,
Marg
EMC, Rancho Mirage, CA