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What is decalcification?
Removal of calcium ions or lime salts from organic extracellular matrix, calcified collagen, and surrounding tissues of bones.
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Is decalcification a mandatory step in tissue processing?
No, decalcification is not a mandatory step.
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What must be achieved before decalcification?
Adequate fixation must be achieved prior to decalcification.
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What is the ideal thickness for decalcification?
1-3 mm.
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What is the ratio of fluid to tissue for decalcification?
20:1.
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What can speed up decalcification?
Heat and constant agitation.
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What is the optimal temperature for decalcification?
Room temperature.
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Can the Autotechnicon perform decalcification?
No, decalcification must be done manually.
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What is the electrolytic method of decalcification?
Calcium ions are attracted to negatively charged electrodes, facilitating removal.
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What is the duration for the electrolytic method?
Most rapid method, duration depends on electric current supply.
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What does the ion exchange resin method involve?
Calcium is removed by formic acid solution, increasing tissue solubility.
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How long does the ion exchange resin method take?
1-14 days.
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What is the role of EDTA in decalcification?
EDTA is a potent anticoagulant but weak as a decalcifying agent.
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What is the disadvantage of using EDTA?
It can inactivate alkaline phosphatase activity.
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What is the remedy for EDTA's disadvantage?
Addition of Magnesium chloride.
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How long does EDTA take for small specimens?
1-3 weeks.
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How long does EDTA take for dense tissues?
6-8 weeks.
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What is the most common method of decalcification?
The use of acid.
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What is the risk of using concentrated solutions in decalcification?
It can be damaging to tissues.
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What is the purpose of nitric acid in decalcification?
Routine decalcification, typically for 24 hours.
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What is Formol nitric acid made of?
Nitric acid + Formaldehyde.
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What is the duration for Formol nitric acid decalcification?
1-3 days.
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What is Perenyi’s fluid composed of?
Nitric acid + Chromic acid + Ethyl alcohol.
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What is a common duration for decalcifying agents?
2-7 days
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What is the combination of Phloroglucin used for rapid decalcification?
Phloroglucin + Nitric acid
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Why is Hydrochloric acid (HCl) not commonly used?
Weak and slow
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What is Von Ebner’s solution used for?
Teeth & small pieces of bones
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What does Formic acid decalcify?
Cartilage, research specimens, autopsy specimens, bone marrow
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What is TCA in terms of decalcifying agents?
Weak & slow decalcifying agents
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What is a disadvantage of Chromic acid?
Environmental toxin, highly corrosive on skin
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What does Citric acid contain as a preservative?
Chloroform
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What is the most reliable method for testing decalcification?
X-Ray / Radiologic method
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What does an opaque appearance in X-ray films indicate?
Inadequate decalcification
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What is the chemical method for testing decalcification?
Calcium oxalate test
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What indicates incomplete decalcification in the calcium oxalate test?
Cloudiness after adding ammonium oxalate
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What is the bubble test used for?
To check if decalcification is complete
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How are decalcified tissues neutralized?
Immerse in lithium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate
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What are some softeners for overly hard tissues?
2% HCl in 70% alcohol, Perenyi’s fluid, Molliflex
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What is Lendrum’s method for?
Softening hard tissues
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What is the purpose of dehydration in tissue processing?
Removal of water from tissues
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What is the common agent used for dehydration?
Alcohol
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What concentration of alcohol is correct for routine dehydration?
70-80%
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What is the effect of 95% alcohol on tissues?
Harden surface but not penetrate deeper
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What is the acceptable concentration for delicate tissues like embryos?
30% alcohol
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What is Acetone used for in dehydration?
Can fix & dehydrate tissue
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What is the risk associated with Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether?
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact
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What does Triethyl phosphate cause during dehydration?
Minimum shrinkage
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What is Tetrahydrofuran used for?
Can dehydrate and clear tissues
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What is the function of 'rate'?
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Is 'rate' toxic?
Yes, toxic if ingested or inhaled
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What symptoms can 'rate' vapors cause?
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What should be done when using 'rate'?
Room should be well ventilated
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What is a notable characteristic of 'rate'?
It has an offensive odor
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What is decalcification?
Removal of calcium ions or lime salts from organic extracellular matrix, calcified collagen, and surrounding tissues of bones.
Is decalcification a mandatory step in tissue processing?
No, decalcification is not a mandatory step.
What must be achieved before decalcification?
Adequate fixation must be achieved prior to decalcification.
What is the ideal thickness for decalcification?
1-3 mm.
What is the ratio of fluid to tissue for decalcification?
20:1.
What can speed up decalcification?
Heat and constant agitation.
What is the optimal temperature for decalcification?
Room temperature.
Can the Autotechnicon perform decalcification?
No, decalcification must be done manually.
What is the electrolytic method of decalcification?
Calcium ions are attracted to negatively charged electrodes, facilitating removal.
What is the duration for the electrolytic method?
Most rapid method, duration depends on electric current supply.
What does the ion exchange resin method involve?
Calcium is removed by formic acid solution, increasing tissue solubility.
How long does the ion exchange resin method take?
1-14 days.
What is the role of EDTA in decalcification?
EDTA is a potent anticoagulant but weak as a decalcifying agent.
What is the disadvantage of using EDTA?
It can inactivate alkaline phosphatase activity.
What is the remedy for EDTA's disadvantage?
Addition of Magnesium chloride.
How long does EDTA take for small specimens?
1-3 weeks.
How long does EDTA take for dense tissues?
6-8 weeks.
What is the most common method of decalcification?
The use of acid.
What is the risk of using concentrated solutions in decalcification?
It can be damaging to tissues.
What is the purpose of nitric acid in decalcification?
Routine decalcification, typically for 24 hours.
What is Formol nitric acid made of?
Nitric acid + Formaldehyde.
What is the duration for Formol nitric acid decalcification?
1-3 days.
What is Perenyi’s fluid composed of?
Nitric acid + Chromic acid + Ethyl alcohol.
What is a common duration for decalcifying agents?
2-7 days
What is the combination of Phloroglucin used for rapid decalcification?
Phloroglucin + Nitric acid
Why is Hydrochloric acid (HCl) not commonly used?
Weak and slow
What is Von Ebner’s solution used for?
Teeth & small pieces of bones
What does Formic acid decalcify?
Cartilage, research specimens, autopsy specimens, bone marrow
What is TCA in terms of decalcifying agents?
Weak & slow decalcifying agents
What is a disadvantage of Chromic acid?
Environmental toxin, highly corrosive on skin
What does Citric acid contain as a preservative?
Chloroform
What is the most reliable method for testing decalcification?
X-Ray / Radiologic method
What does an opaque appearance in X-ray films indicate?
Inadequate decalcification
What is the chemical method for testing decalcification?
Calcium oxalate test
What indicates incomplete decalcification in the calcium oxalate test?
Cloudiness after adding ammonium oxalate
What is the bubble test used for?
To check if decalcification is complete
How are decalcified tissues neutralized?
Immerse in lithium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate
What are some softeners for overly hard tissues?
2% HCl in 70% alcohol, Perenyi’s fluid, Molliflex
What is Lendrum’s method for?
Softening hard tissues
What is the purpose of dehydration in tissue processing?
Removal of water from tissues
What is the common agent used for dehydration?
Alcohol
What concentration of alcohol is correct for routine dehydration?
70-80%
What is the effect of 95% alcohol on tissues?
Harden surface but not penetrate deeper
What is the acceptable concentration for delicate tissues like embryos?
30% alcohol
What is Acetone used for in dehydration?
Can fix & dehydrate tissue
What is the risk associated with Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether?
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact
What does Triethyl phosphate cause during dehydration?
Minimum shrinkage
What is Tetrahydrofuran used for?
Can dehydrate and clear tissues
What is the function of 'rate'?
Is 'rate' toxic?
Yes, toxic if ingested or inhaled
What symptoms can 'rate' vapors cause?
What should be done when using 'rate'?
Room should be well ventilated
What is a notable characteristic of 'rate'?
It has an offensive odor
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