Description
VitroViewTM Formic Acid Fast Decalcification Solution is a ready-to-use chemical reagent for rapid, controlled decalcification of calcified tissue specimens, including bone, teeth, and calcified soft tissues. It enables efficient removal of calcium salts while preserving tissue morphology and antigenicity for downstream histological processing.
Key Advantages
- Faster decalcification than chelating agents (e.g., EDTA)
- Better preservation of tissue structure and cellular detail than strong acids
Application
- Routine histology (H&E staining),
- Special stains
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Molecular applications.
Package Size
1000ml/ bottle
Storage
Product is stable for about 12 months at room temperature.
Sample Preparation and Decalcification Procedure
- Fix tissue thoroughly in 10% neutral buffered formalin (recommended minimum: 24–48 hours).
- Rinse tissue briefly in running water to remove excess fixative.
- Trim specimen to appropriate size to optimize decalcification time.
- Add sufficient Formic Acid Fast Decalcification Solution to fully immerse the tissue.
- Recommended ratio: 10–20 volumes of solution per volume of tissue
- Cover container and label appropriately.
- Incubate at room temperature (18–25 °C).
- Gently agitate periodically to enhance decalcification.
Typical Decalcification Time:
| Specimen Type | Approximate Time |
| Small bone biopsy | 6–8 hours |
| Bone marrow core | 6–10 hours |
| Large bone sections | 12–48 hours |
| Teeth | 24–72 hours |
Time may vary depending on tissue density and size. Decalcification completion may be assessed by:
- Physical testing: Gently bending or probing tissue
- Chemical testing: Calcium oxalate or ammonium oxalate test
- Radiography: X-ray imaging (recommended for critical specimens)
- Avoid over-decalcification to prevent tissue damage.
Post-Decalcification Treatment
- Remove tissue from decalcifying solution.
- Wash thoroughly in running tap water for 30–60 minutes to remove residual acid.
- Proceed with routine tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning.
Quality Considerations
- Overexposure may lead to loss of nuclear staining and antigenicity.
- Validate decalcification times for IHC or molecular assays.
- Maintain consistent specimen size for reproducible results.
Important Notes
- This product is intended for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in humans or animals.
- Handle reagents with care. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
- Do not ingest.
- Always wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles.
- Perform the experiment in chemical hood.
User Manual and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) (PDF )
