Use of histological samples for assessing skeletal calcium.

Bone samples were decalcified using 5% formic acid. Their calcium content was then quantified by analysing the calcium extracted in the decalcification solution. This was correlated with matched samples digested in hydrochloric acid. No significant differences were found. This indicates that bone biopsy specimens taken for histological analysis can be used for the direct assessment of skeletal calcium. The method can therefore simplify investigations into metabolic bone diseases and provide a direct correlation between skeletal calcium and bone histology.