Julee,

In addition to better preservation of lipoproteins and phospholipids, which
may be demonstrated in paraffin sections, Formal calcium allows easier
histochemical demonstration of a number of enzymes compared to NBF.
Morphologically there is little difference.

Bryan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chan Wai Kam" 
To: "HistoNet Server" 
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2003 10:31 PM
Subject: Formol calcium versus NBF


Hi Histonetters,

Our lab has been using 10% formol calcium for fixation of rabbits bones
for years, as recommended by a visiting scientist.  I'm just wondering
whether there's any difference between using this compared to neutral
buffered formalin.  I've read that formol calcium is better for
preserving lipids but since our specimens are for normal processing in
paraffin which removes lipids, I'm wondering if it's really necessary to
keep to formol calcium.

Julee C
Orthopaedic Surgery
National University of Singapore