[Histonet] decalcifying bone marrows after processing

[Matthew Lunetta]

We have excellent sucess in decalcifying the bone prior to processing. We make sure the core has been in fixative for 2 hrs prior to the 20 mins in the decal solution (DeCal STAT). It is then rinced in water and placed in line for standard processing. 
Matt Lunetta HT (ASCP)
Longmont United Hospital




Message: 3
Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2011 19:16:14 -0500
From: "Richard Cartun" 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: decalcifying bone marrows after processing
To: ,,

Message-ID: <4D31F2800200007700020A91 <@t> gwmail1.harthosp.org>
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Hi Becky:

How long is the specimen in formalin before you put it in Cal Rite decal? Thanks.

Richard

Richard W. Cartun, Ph.D.
Director, Histology & Immunopathology
Director, Biospecimens
Assistant Director, Anatomic Pathology
Hartford Hospital
80 Seymour Street
Hartford, CT 06102
(860) 545-1596
(860) 545-0174 Fax
>>> "Garrison, Becky" 01/14/11 5:44 PM >>> 
We process bone marrow biopsies the same day received. We use a combination decal/ fixative solution (Cal Rite decal) with good results. We keep in this solution a minimum of 3 hours before moving to 
tissue processor where first 2 solutions are a total of 3 hours in 
formalin. Although most bone marrow biopsies are received by 2:00 - 3:00pm; we've had some received as late as 4:00pm with good results. 
Our clinicians place the bone marrow core in pre-filled formalin at the 
point of collection, also. 

The Cal Rite is a combination of formaldehyde, formic acid and methanol. 

Becky Garrison 
Pathology Supervisor 
Shands Jacksonville 
Jacksonville, FL 32209 
904-244-6237, phone 
904-244-4290, fax 
904-393-3194, pager 

-----Original Message----- 
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Powers, Kerry 
Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 4:32 PM 
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Subject: [Histonet] decalcifying bone marrows after processing 

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with, or is it even possible to, decalcify bone marrows after they are processed. Our pathologist would like to be able to process bone marrows the same day we receive them, but most of the time there just isn't enough time to allow for proper fixation and then proper decalcification. She asked if we could process them and then decalcify and I have yet to find an answer to this question. Please help!! 

Thank you, 

Kerry Powers 
Comanche Country Memorial Hospital 
Department of Pathology 
3401 W Gore, Lawton OK 73505 
(580) 355-8699 ext. 3359 
Fax: (580) 585-5462