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Technical Data Sheets

Fixer/Decalcifier

EMS Catalog #64148 

This Fixer/Decalcifier is for use as a general-purpose histological decalcifying solution, which incidentally fixes and decalcifies cytological structures of human and animal calcified tissue such as bone and cartilage.

Summary And Principles:

Fixer/Decalcifier is recommended for those histological procedures normally employing decalcification steps. The simultaneous fixation and decalcification properties of this material prevent loss of cellular structures due to putrefaction or autolysis. The rapid infiltration and decalcification rate of this solution is ideal for preservation of structural elements in the call.

Furthermore, the formic acid is this reagent does not impair nuclear staining whereas other decalcifying agents such as nitric acid or hydrochloric acids diminish stain penetration. Fresh tissue is placed in this solution for a period of 2 - 48 hours depending on the size and hardness of the tissue. These specimens may still require additional formalin fixation. Tissue previously fixed with formalin may also be decalcified with this solution. It is used in the same manner as acid decalcifying solution except that:

• Prior to decalcification, the calcified tissue requires no fixation. Post- decalcification tissues may need further fixation.
• This Fixer/Decalcifier requires no further dilution or neutralization after decalcification.

Product Specification:

Reactive Ingredients:

Procedure:

A covered specimen jar or suitable container that is of sufficient size for the specimens being processed should be used. To decalcify calcified tissue, the following procedure is recommended:

• Place calcified tissue into a sufficient amount of this solution, which is 5 - 10 times the volumes of the specimen to be processed . The specimen must be completely immersed.
• Fixation/decalcification time is dependent on the size and hardness of the calcified tissue and must be varied accordingly. Decalcification of many specimens (e.g., 3-4mm thick blocks of vertebral bodies) is accomplished in 2 to 48 hours. Proportionately larger and denser bone specimens decalcify rapidly but require more time because of these factors. Time should be adjusted according to practice and experience. Tissue may be store in Fixer/Decalcifier for 2 days without adverse effects. After fixation/ decalcification, any tissue not immediately processed should be stored in alcohol base formalin or other suitable fixative.
• The following procedures are recommended for use in automatic tissue processors, such as Histomatic® or the AutoTechnicon® systems.
  
  1. Buffered 10% Formalin
  2. 80% Alcohol
  3. 95% Alcohol
  4. 95% Alcohol
  5. 95% Alcohol
  6. 100% Alcohol
  7. 100% Alcohol
  8. 100% Xylene
  9. 100% Xylene
  10. Paraffin
  11. Paraffin

Limitations:

1. Replace old solution with fresh. NEVER add fresh solution to old. The length of time a this solution may be used will depend on the number and type of tissue specimens processed, as well as the subjective judgment of the technician.
2. Turbidity of this solution cannot be used as a measure of total decalcification, since the calcium remains in solution. Instead, total decalcification may be determined by probing the specimen with a needle in an unimportant area of the tissue. No resistance to penetration should be encountered.
3. The surfaces of bone cut by saw contain bone dust. It is recommended that the surface be briskly brushed with a stiff bristle brush and well rinsed to remove the bone dust. Bone dust may significantly mask morphology.

Performance Characteristics:

This Fixer/Decalcifier decalcifies and fixes bone, cartilage, or other hard specimens simultaneously. Since some specimens decalcify faster, they must need additional fixation with formalin.

Accelerated Infiltration - This Fixer/Decalcifier removes calcium salts fairly rapidly from hard tissue specimens and at the same time minimizes alterations of structural elements in the cells.

Specimen Prefixation - This Fixer/Decalcifier eliminates the normal prefixation step required in most decalcification procedures. Its rapid rate of infiltration fixes and decalcifies the specimens simultaneously. However, some specimens may preferably be fixed in buffered formalin after decalcification to get good staining characteristics.

Fixer/Decalcifier - Decalcified tissue may be placed back into buffered formalin fixative and processed with other routine specimens in automated systems. Fixer/Decalcifier Does Not Form Precipitates in Tissue and Does Not Contain Mercury or DMSO- Iodine or sodium thiosulfate solutions are not required for precipitate removal.

References:

Sheehan , D.C. , and Hrapchak, B.B., Theory and Pratice of Histotechnology, 2 nd Ed., C.V. Mosby Co., St. Louis (1980)

Barka, T. and Anderson , P.J., Histochemistry: Theory, Practice and Bibliography, Harper & Row, Hoeber Medical Division, New York (1963)

Storage And Stability:

This product is stable until the date indicated on the label. It should be stored at room temperature (20-30°) in a tightly closed container protected from direct heat and light.

Online Ordering

Fixer/Decalcifier is available online from the EMS Catalog. For ordering or product information, click here.