Tissue Decalcification for Paraffin Processing (by LabCE)

1 P.A.C.E. contact hour(s)

(based on 105 customer ratings)

Author: Diana Harrington, BS, HT(ASCP)
Reviewers: Carla Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP); Rosemarie Tavares Proulx, BA, CT(ASCP), HT(ASCP)CM

Course provided by LabCE.

This course aims to simplify the decalcification process and provide useful techniques to work with calcified tissue successfully.

See more courses in: Histology

Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Course number 578-065-22, approved through 8/31/2024
Course number 20-927431, approved through 8/31/2024

Objectives

  • Define the bone types and their composition.
  • Describe techniques used to remove mineral from bone or other calcified tissue.
  • Determine the end-point of decalcification based on the method used.
  • Identify troubleshooting strategies used when unexpected calcium is revealed or if tissue is under- or over-decalcified.

Customer Ratings

(based on 105 customer ratings)

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Course Outline

  • Overview
      • Tissue Decalcification for Paraffin Processing
  • Bone
      • Bone Types
      • Bone Composition
      • Bone Cells
  • Fixation of Calcified Tissue
      • Fixation of Calcified Tissue
      • Fixation of Calcified Tissue, continued
  • Methods Used to Decalcify Tissue
      • Decalcification Methods Using Acids
      • Strong Mineral Acids
      • Weak Organic Acids
      • Chelation With EDTA
      • Electrolytic Methods
  • Determining the End-Point of Decalcification
      • Decalcification and End-Point Determination
      • Mechanical Methods of End-point Determination
      • Chemical Methods of End-point Determination
      • Radiography Method for End-point Determination
      • Weight Loss Method for End-point Determination
      • Post Decalcification
  • Troubleshooting Calcified Tissue
      • Surface Decalcification
      • Inadequate Decalcification
      • Excessive Decalcification
  • Summary of Decalcification
      • Summary
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Basic
 
Intended audience: Clinical laboratory histotechnologists, histotechnicians, and other medical laboratory personnel who have an interest in this subject matter. This course is also appropriate for histology and clinical laboratory science students, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
 
Author information: Diana Harrington, BS, HT(ASCP) is a histotechnologist at The Dermatology Center of Indiana. Since graduating from Indiana University, she has worked in various hospital laboratories as a medical technologist and histotechnologist. Her experience led her to teach IU students as a Clinical Education Supervisor and create the Histotechnology Program as Program Director for Keiser University in Florida.
 
Reviewer information: Carla J. Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP) is the Manager of the Pathology Department of Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital of Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Troy University, Troy, Alabama. She is certified as a Histotechnician and has 25 years of experience in the field of Histology.
Reviewer information: Rosemarie Tavares Proulx, BA, CT(ASCP), HT(ASCP)CM has over 20 years of experience as a laboratorian, anatomic pathology supervisor, and laboratory manager. She is the former Anatomic Pathology Laboratory Manager at Boston Children's Hospital She is currently the Educational Coordinator for the Histotechnician Program at the Community College of Rhode Island.
Course description: This course aims to simplify the decalcification process and provide useful techniques to work with calcified tissue successfully.

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Course provided by LabCE.
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