Yes !!  We have found that most decalcification problems start with improper
fixation.  We have produced the best looking decalcified bone samples when
the fixation / decalcification times are similar.  If you are attempting to
decalcify a femoral head in 24 hours, it should be fixed for 24 hours prior
to decalcification.  Otherwise, you will be decalcifying unfixed tissue
which leads to all kinds of problems.  We have run all types of IHC and ISH
on decalcified bone with excellent results.  It usually doesn't matter if
the sample is decalcified for 4 hours or 40 hours.  The results are pretty
much the same.  The big change occurs when the sample is not fixed properly
in the first place.  Again, it doesn't matter which fixative you use. If you
want produce better looking decalcified tissue, just make sure it is fixed
properly before dropping it in decalcifier.   That works every time !!


Cliff Berger
Decal Chemical Corp
www.decal-bone.com

> From: RSRICHMOND@aol.com
> Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 20:34:57 -0500 (EST)
> To: Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Re: Post-fixation of bone marrow specimens
> 
> Richard Cartun asks:
> 
>>> Is there a minimum time for a B5-fixed bone marrow core biopsy to be
> post-fixed in 10% buffered formalin before decalcification?<<
> 
> Assuming you're adding formaldehyde to the B-5 as the formula directs, you
> shouldn't need to post-fix at all. The specimen needs at least an hour in B-5
> before decalcification.
> 
> Clinicians need to understand that if it ain't in the lab by 2 PM (or
> whenever you decide) it doesn't get processed that night.
> 
> Bob Richmond
> Samurai Pathologist
> Knoxville TN
>