----- Original Message -----
From: Steven Slap 
Date: Sunday, March 3, 2002 12:38 pm
Subject: bone marrow decalcification

> Hi HistoNetters
> 
> Patsy Ruegg pointed out that formic acid has proven to be a 
good 
> agent for
> decalcification with subsequent IHC.  I don't disagree.  In fact, 
> more of my
> customers use some form of formic acid decalcifier than 
anything 
> else.  I
> have just found, in my own empirical experience, that I have 
gotten 
> superiorresults using EDTA.
> 
> Patsy also asked if microwaving itself affects the results, and the 
> answeris that it only speeds them up.  Decalcification speeds 
can 
> be highly
> temperature dependent.
> 
> Furthermore, the use of an effective stirrer can ensure that fresh
> decalcification fluid is always in contact with the specimen.
> 
> best regards,
> Steven Slap
> 
> **********************************************
> Marketing Manager/Microwave Product Specialist
> Hacker Instruments & Industries, Inc.
> http://www.hackerinstruments.com
> **********************************************
> -- 
> 
> 
> 
We have studies that show you can produce excellent ISH and IHC 
results from  tissues decalcified in formic acid.  Formic acid is 
significantly faster than EDTA.  ( a number of hours vs. a number  
of days. ) 

We also have found that decalcification speeds are temperature 
dependent,  as are most chemical reactions.  Increasing the 
temperaures decrease decalcification times.  However,  
decalicification temperature does affect tissue morphology.  In fact, 
we have studies that show that the optimum temperature for 
decalcification is 4 degrees C.  This is significantly cooler than 
room temperature and dramatically cooler than most microwave 
procedures.  While a microwave procedure can be used to reduce 
decalcification times it cannot be used to produce better looking 
decalcified tissue.