[Histonet] Hard Tissues

[Sarah Jones]

Hi David,
  Is the problem that the bone is too hard or not clearing well?  I have used cedarwood oil for brain tissues.  It penetrates very well.  You can't use it on an automated tissue processor because it separates and becomes like petroleum jelly.  So you have to do that step by hand.   I can't remember using it on bone.  
  If the bone is too hard, maybe it isn't decalcified enough.  What bone is it?  How big is the specimen?  What knives are you using?  How are you decaling it?  How is it being trimmed in and fixed?  I prefer the RDO decal, it's fast and can handle anything.
  Hope this helps.   Sarah

Sarah Jones HT(ASCP)
Dept. of Vet. Anatomy & Public Health
Histology Lab
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-4458
phone: 979-845-3177
fax:  979-458-3499


>>> "David Muskett" <David.Muskett <@t> btopenworld.com> 09/08/03 04:28PM >>>

Dear Histonetters

I am looking for some advice and comments as to the best way of processing
hard tissues.  We are currently experiencing some problems with our bone
tissues.

We are considering clearing in oil of cedar wood. Does anybody have any
experience of this or procedures to share?

I have read in the histonet archive of people softening tissues in fabric
conditioners. Does anyone have any procedures to share for this method?

Regards

David Muskett

Liverpool, UK