ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID IN AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE FOR REDUCING DECALCIFICATION TIME

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution is used to decalcify b one specimens for histological examination. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ha s been used to dissolve EDTA and to bring EDTA solutions to neutral pH . This solution, however, requires several weeks to decalcify bone spe cimens. We investigated a new decalcification fluid using concentrated ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) to dissolve EDTA and to adjust the pH to n eutral. Decalcification was performed using a magnetic stirrer with an d without vacuum, or with a sonic cleaner. Decalcification end point w as confirmed using both the weight loss and X-ray methods. After decal cification, specimens were processed through paraffin and sections wer e stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Decalcification employing NH4OH required an average of six days. Light microscopy indicated good reten tion of cellular detail.