EDTA Bone Decalcification Solution, 500 mL
Ready-to-use 0.5 M EDTA at pH 7.2 for decalcifying bone and teeth while preserving antigens and enzyme activity for IHC, ISH, and ALP staining.
In the ConductScience low-temperature ultrasonic decalcification system, mouse long bones finish in 2 to 3 days.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about EDTA Bone Decalcification Solution, 500 mL fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
Already working with us? Sign in to connect this with My Scientist.
Key Specifications
Full details →- Formulation
- 0.5 M EDTA, pH 7.2
- Volume
- 500 mL
- Format
- Ready to use
- Working Volume
- 15 to 20 times the tissue volume
- Refresh
- Every 2 to 3 days
- Storage
- Room temperature
Bone and teeth must be decalcified before they can be sectioned. This solution is 0.5 M EDTA at pH 7.2, the gentle choice when you need antigens and enzymes intact afterward.
EDTA works by chelation at neutral pH: it binds calcium at the surface of the mineral crystals and dissolves them layer by layer, with minimal effect on tissue structure. It preserves enzymes and antigens well, so EDTA-decalcified tissue suits immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and enzyme stains such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
On the bench, EDTA takes weeks to months depending on specimen size. In the ConductScience low-temperature ultrasonic decalcification system, the reference times drop to 2 to 3 days for mouse long bones and 14 to 16 days for rat long bones, and ALP staining stays strong.
Fix tissue first, for example in 4% paraformaldehyde for more than 24 hours, then immerse it in 15 to 20 times its volume of solution. Refresh the solution every 2 to 3 days. Decalcification is complete when a needle passes smoothly into the tissue and the bone bends easily.
The solution is ready to use, stores and ships at room temperature, and keeps for 12 months.
How It Works
EDTA is a chelator: at neutral pH it binds calcium ions at the surface of the bone mineral and draws bound calcium outward, so the crystals dissolve gradually while proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids stay largely intact.
The solution needs to be in excess: 15 to 20 times the tissue volume, refreshed every 2 to 3 days, so dissolved calcium does not slow the reaction.
Features & Benefits
Formulation
- 0.5 M EDTA, pH 7.2
Volume
- 500 mL
Format
- Ready to use
Working Volume
- 15 to 20 times the tissue volume
Refresh
- Every 2 to 3 days
Storage
- Room temperature
Shelf Life
- 12 months
Intended Use
- For research use only
Brand
- ConductScience
Research Domain
- Histopathology
Practical Tips
Fix tissue fully before decalcifying, for example in 4% paraformaldehyde for more than 24 hours.
Why: Unfixed tissue is damaged by decalcification.
Use 15 to 20 times the tissue volume of solution.
Why: Too little solution saturates with calcium and stalls.
Change the solution every 2 to 3 days.
Why: Fresh solution keeps the reaction moving.
Check near the end: a needle should pass smoothly and the bone should bend easily.
Why: Over-decalcification damages tissue and staining.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- One 500 mL bottle of 0.5 M EDTA decalcification solution, pH 7.2
Why EDTA instead of an acid decalcifier?
EDTA decalcifies by chelation at neutral pH, so antigens, enzymes, and nucleic acids survive. Choose it whenever you plan IHC, ISH, or enzyme stains such as ALP after decalcification.
How much solution do I need?
Use 15 to 20 times the tissue volume and replace it every 2 to 3 days. A 500 mL bottle covers about 25 to 33 mL of tissue per change.
How long does decalcification take?
On the bench, weeks to months depending on specimen size. In the ConductScience low-temperature ultrasonic decalcification system, reference times are 2 to 3 days for mouse long bones and 14 to 16 days for rat long bones.
How do I know decalcification is complete?
A needle passes smoothly into the tissue and the bone feels elastic and bends easily. Check daily near the end to avoid over-decalcifying.
How should I store it?
At room temperature. It keeps for 12 months.
Have a question about this product?
Have a question? Just ask.
Send it over and we'll email you a personalized answer — no call, no scheduling.
Prefer to talk it through?
Frequently Bought Together
