Preventing Decalcification of Human Ossicles Stored in a Buffered Formaldehyde Solution

Abstract

Harvested human homograft ossicles stored in buffered formaldehyde solution pH 5.6 begin to exhibit decalcification after two weeks. This study determined the rate and extent of decalcification of temporal bone core tissue stored in a 4% buffered formaldehyde pH 5.6. The addition of 350 ppm CaCl2.2H2O was found to be effective in preventing decalcification of harvested human homograft ossicles kept in 4% buffered formaldehyde pH 5.6. The practical aspects of these findings for tissue banking and distribution are discussed.