Show your true colours.

Show your true colours.
OSTEOMOLL® and OSTEOSOFT®
Focussing your histology targets.

OSTEOMOLL®
and
OSTEOSOFT®
Decalcifying solutions
for routinely used hard tissue
and sensitve hard tissue
Hard tissue like bones or teeth and all speci-
mens of calcified tissue like bone marrow
punches require special pretreatment before
routine processing by a histological laboratory.
Such tissue can either be embedded in plastic
and then sectioned with a microtome
or it must be decalcified for routine paraffin
sectioning.
Decalcification is achieved either by using
solutions containing inorganic acids to
remove the calcium ions or, in the case of
sensitive tissue, using complex-forming
agents like EDTA to bind the calcium ions.
The decalcification method using inorganic acids is fast
and efficient; the process must be monitored as too strong
a decalcification can negatively affect the morphological
structure of the tissue and thus its staining result, in
particular nucleus staining. Immunohistological methods
cannot be employed after this as the antigens can no
longer be detected by antibodies. The decalcifying solution
OSTEOMOLL® is available for this type of decalcification.
OSTEOMOLL® decalcifies effectively, and depending on the
size and density of the tissue it can be used twice provided
that the solution is still clear after the first decalcification
process. OSTEOMOLL® is stained blue to differentiate it
better from other working solutions. The addition of the dye
has no effect on the decalcification process or the tissue
in question.
OSTEOSOFT® is available for gentle decalcification based
on complex-forming agents. OSTEOSOFT® is best used
for the decalcification of bone marrow biopsies as well as
blood vessels, particularly if to be followed by immunohistological
procedures. OSTEOSOFT® preserves antigen,
enzyme and other fine structures, so that also e.g. the
enzyme reaction of specific esterase with naphthol AS-D
chloroacetate or silver impregnation of reticulin fibers
can be carried out successfully. OSTEOSOFT® is used only
once; the quantity required depends on the type and size
of the tissue in question. OSTEOSOFT® is stained yellow for
better differentiation.

Highlights
• OSTEOMOLL® and OSTEOSOFT® – for processing all types of hard tissue
in the histological laboratory
• Stained decalcifying solutions for fast and reliable identification
in the laboratory – OSTEOMOLL® is blue, OSTEOSOFT® is yellow
• OSTEOMOLL® for all types of routinely used hard tissue
• OSTEOMOLL® can be used twice on average
• OSTEOSOFT® for gentle decalcification while preserving tissue structures,
immunohistological procedures and enzyme reactions
• User-friendly package size
• Safe packaging with PE bottles
• Developed, manufactured and tested in accordance with ISO 9001,
CE certified according to IVDD
Colour makes
the difference.

Directions for use
Bone, teeth, hard tissue
The decalcification time and the quantity of OSTEOMOLL® required are
dependent on the size, type, and density of the respective tissue.
A piece of bone 10 x 10 x 3 mm in size, e.g. hip bone, has a decalcification
time of 6 - 8 hours. The decalcification of teeth and other hard tissue
should be monitored carefully.
Slightly calcified tissue
Slightly calcified tissue, e.g. blood vessels, is decalcified after 30 - 60minutes.
Using OSTEOMOLL®
Keratinized tissue
Keratinized tissue, e.g. nails and acuminate warts, can be gently decalcified
by immersing the cut embedded material in OSTEOMOLL® with the
section surface facing downwards for at least 15 - 60 minutes, subsequently
rinsing the block with tap water, and cutting in the usual manner;
the new section should be kept to a minimum (loss of material). Section
thickness is 5 µm.
Determining the end-point of the decalcification process
The end-point of the decalcification process is determined by puncturing the
tissue with a needle at a representative site not of decisive relevance
for the diagnostic procedure.

Using OSTEOSOFT®
Directions for use
Iliac crest and other hard tissue
The decalcification time and the quantity of OSTEOSOFT® required are
dependent on the size, type, and density of the respective tissue.
A piece of bone 15 x 9x 3 mm in size, taken from e.g. the iliac crest,
is immersed in approx. 50 ml of OSTEOSOFT® and has a decalcification
time of 18 - 24 hours.
Fig. 1
Compact, calcified tissue
Compact, calcified tissue 15 x10 x 3 mm in size is decalcified after
48 - 72 hours. If no immunohistological procedures are planned,
decalcification can be carried out more rapidly with OSTEOMOLL®.
Determining the end-point of the decalcification process
In the case of e.g. iliac crest tissue, the end of the decalcification process
is reached when the tissue floats in the solution.
Fig. 2
Result
Decalcified tissue is cartilaginous or rubberlike in its consistency
and exhibits only a weak resistance.
The decalcified tissue can be processed further in normal histology.
Fig. 3
Fig. 1: Iliac crest, decalcification
with OSTEOSOFT®
Reactive changes, detected by
antibody reaction in bone marrow
Fig. 2: lIiac crest, decalcification
with OSTEOSOFT®
Detection of reactive T- cells by
antibody reaction in bone marrow
Fig. 3: Iliac crest, decalcification
with OSTEOSOFT®
Detection of plasmocytom cells by
antibody reaction in bone marrow

OSTEOMOLL®
the fast decalcifying solution for histology Ord. No. 1.01736.1000 1 liter
OSTEOSOFT®
the gentle decalcifying solution for histology Ord. No. 1.01728.1000 1 liter
W 287109 06/06
Merck KGaA
64271 Darmstadt, Germany
Fax: 0049 (0) 61 51 72 - 60 80
E-mail: microscopy@merck.de
www.merck.de
microscopy.merck.de
We provide information and advice to our customers to the best of our knowledge and ability, but without obligation or liability. Existing laws and
regulations are to be observed in all cases by our customers. This also applies in respect to any rights of third parties. Our information and advice do not
relieve our customers of their own responsibility for checking the suitability of our products for the envisaged purpose. OSTEOMOLL® and OSTEOSOFT®
are registered trademarks of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.