A method to determine the end point of decalcification of hard tissue and bone.

A method for decalcification end point determination of mineralized tissue is described. The calcium content of the decalcification solution was determined colorimetrically with a "continuous automatic analyzer" with a high degree of accuracy. The end point method used has been tested on two decalcification methods, 5% nitric acid with or without ultrasonic treatment. The results suggest it is possible to quantitate the decalcification process.

[Decalcification by ultrasound and acid in a histological routine laboratory]. / Die Ultraschall-Säure-Entkalkung in einem histologischen Routine-labor.

The ultrasonic and acid treatment of biopsy samples is a rapid method for decalcifying bones and yields good preparations. The combination of the sodium sulphate technique and washing by ultrasound requires 24 h. The method described is feasible in routine laboratories without the necessity of high technical expense.