I also agree with Cliff, but bone marrow biopsies should be fixed with B5 within 4
hrs., even quicker if you use shaking.
Patsy Ruegg

"Cberger@decal-bone.com" wrote:

> 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
> >