THE VONKOSSA REACTION FOR CALCIUM DEPOSITS - SILVER LACTATE STAINING INCREASES SENSITIVITY AND REDUCES BACKGROUND

The classical von Kossa method has been modified: the high silver nitr ate concentration in the original was replaced by 0.05% silver lactate with hydroquinone remaining the reducing agent of choice. The present modification stained calcification nodules with a sensitivity compara ble to the original von Kossa reaction, but resulted in a reduced back ground staining in cultured osteoblasts. The method works well also wi th plastic- or paraffin-embedded tissue sections.