| Size | 100 tests |
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Is used to quantify mineralization in cell culture and histological sections.
Application: The method was originally developed by von Kossa, and underwent several modifications. Von Kossa has been the most popular method for indirectly identifying the presence of calcium in tissue since 1901. The Von Kossa procedure does not stain calcium itself, but instead it stains calcium deposits or salts. The Von Kossa method is a metal substitution technique in which the silver solution is used to transform calcium salts into metal salts. The silver solution serves as the primary stain by replacing the phosphate and carbonate anions with silver ions, producing silver salts. The silver salts are then reduced by using a strong, bright light and the unreduced silver is removed by using sodium thiosulfate. Tissue calcification has been implicated in problems with metabolic processes. It’s also present in tumors. Correct detection of calcium deposits contributes to accurate diagnosis. Additional methods need to be employed to confirm the presence of calcium, such as Alizarin Red, which detects calcium deposits!
N.B!: The clinical interpretation of any staining, or its absence, should be complemented by morphological studies and proper controls, and should be evaluated within the context of the patient’s clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist. All reagents have been optimally prepared for use and require no mixing or diluting.
