The process of ion-exchange was first observed by a
British chemist in 1850.
Ion-exchange is a process, by which one type of ion is absorbed
into a solid material and replaced by an equivalent quantity of another ion of
the same charge. By using this process, we have formulated an advanced
decalcification system that removes calcium from bone quickly while leaving
superior cellular detail.
The I.E.D. Unit incorporates a strong cation ion-exchange resin in
a weak acid solution to remove calcium ions from bone, while replacing them with
hydrogen ions.
The ion-exchange process does not require strong concentrated acid
solutions as in traditional decalcification methods, delicate cellular
structures remain intact.
This can be very important for immunohistochemistry (IHC)
procedures, especially for bone marrow.
Over decalcification can destroy morphology that may effect the
final staining quality and staining intensity for IHC staining. The ion exchange
decal method has been shown to provide the best tissue morphology and IHC
staining when compared to other conventional decal methods.
Results were very similar to EDTA methods, but much faster.
Tissues can remain in the I.E.D. solution for longer periods of time without
destroying tissue morphology, eliminating the daily solution change, thus
reducing the amount of toxic
waste.