Excessive Decalcification

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Tissue Decalcification for Paraffin Processing. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Tissue Decalcification for Paraffin Processing (online CE course)
Excessive Decalcification

Unfortunately, tissue that has been over-decalcified cannot be remedied, but it can be prevented!
Characteristics of excessive decalcification:
  • Tissue left in decal solution for too long
  • Decal solution is too strong/too rapid
  • Inaccurate method for end-point determination - choose better method
  • Tissue should be checked more frequently
  • Loss of tissue basophilia, lack nuclear staining, poor eosin differentiation - undiagnosable
  • Tissue becomes brittle after processing

Poorly decalcified bone