title: A comparative study of various decalcification techniques.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Study of fibrilar, cellular and sub cellular structures of mineralized tissues is only possible after the removal of the calcium apatite of these tissues by the process of demineralization.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study aims to evaluate six commonly used demineralizing agents to identify the best decalcifying agent.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study included six different decalcifying solutions: 10% formal nitric acid, 8% formal nitric acid, 10% formic acid, 8% formic acid, Perenyi's fluid and Ethylene Di-Amine Tetra Acetic Acid. eight samples of posterior mandible of rat were decalcified in each of the decalcifying solutions and subjected to chemical end-point test. Ehrlich's Hematoxylin stain was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  One way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparisons and Chi-square test was used for analyzing categorical data. P value of 0.05/less was set for statistical significance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Samples treated with EDTA showed the best overall histological impression and the tissue integrity were well preserved. Formal nitric of both the percentages 10 and 8% gave fairly good cellular detail and were rapid in their action.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The final impression led to the proposition that EDTA was indeed the best decalcifying agent available. However, with time constraint, the use of formal nitric acid is advocated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Prathibha
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.forename: Mandana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donoghue
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid; D000818:Animals; D003648:Decalcification Technique / Q000379:methods*; D004492:Edetic Acid; D005561:Formates; D017942:Nitric Acid; D051381:Rats; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D017001:Tooth Demineralization
chemical_list: D005561:Formates; C030544:formic acid; D017942:Nitric Acid; D004492:Edetic Acid; D019342:Acetic Acid