Decalcification methods are necessary for optical microscopic examinations of bone and other hard

tissue in routine histological procedures. The material to be decalcified is placed in an excess of

decalcifying solution and demineralized (decalcified) in this. The decalcification time is dependent on

the size and structural density of the hard tissue, while the composition of the decalcifying solution

also exerts a decisive influence on the process. Decalcification of bone and hard tissue requires the use

of either inorganic acids, as is the case with OSTEOMOLL®, which liberates the acids of the mineral

salts and can subsequently be rinsed out.

The decalcifying solution has been stained to facilitate the identification of the decalcifying procedure

– OSTEOMOLL® is blue. The dye used is inert in terms of any effect on the tissue to be decalcified.

When decalcifying sensitive, calcium-containing tissue a solution such as OSTEOSOFT® is used, which

contains complex- or chelate-forming agents that bind the calcium ions of the tissue. This type of

decalcifying solution preserves the antigen structures in the tissue, with the result that immunological

procedures can be conducted. The decalcifying solution has been stained to facilitate the identification

of the decalcifying procedure – OSTEOSOFT® is yellow. The dye used is inert in terms of any effect on

the tissue to be decalcified.