Method and apparatus for the rapid decalcification and fixation of mineralized tissues

A method to decalcify a tissue specimen, said method comprising the steps of:

• suspending the tissue specimen in a container having a circulating fluid therein;
• placing the container in a microwave oven having a power controller and a timer;
• supplying a primary temperature controlled reservoir for the circulated fluid;
• supplying a secondary temperature controller having a sensor near the tissue specimen and a control connection to the power controller;
• controlling a fluid level above the tissue specimen;
• and
• controlling an automatic operation for decalcification and fixation by setting microwave timer, power controller and reservoir temperature controller.

An apparatus to perform decalcification and fixation on a tissue specimen, said apparatus comprising:

• a microwave oven having a variable power output;
• a support for a specimen;
• a fluid flow assembly in the microwave oven to provide a fluid flow around the specimen;
• a temperature controlled reservoir supplying the fluid flow;
• and
• wherein the microwave oven is set at a selected power output to radiate the specimen while the temperature controlled fluid flows past the specimen.

An apparatus to decalcify and fixate a tissue sample, the apparatus comprising:

• means for supporting a tissue sample in a container;
• means for supplying a temperature controlled circulating fluid to the container so as to continuously immerse the tissue sample;
• and
• means for regulating a power output of a microwave which houses the container.

A tissue sample holder comprising:

• a container for holding a fluid;
• a submersible assembly;
• said submersible assembly comprising an upper and a lower tray having an interlocking brace therebetween;
• a central tray having a receiving hole for a first end of a tissue cassette;
• said tissue cassette further comprising an elongated, ventilated chamber having the first end and a second end;
• said second end having a mating surface to rest against the upper tray;
• and
• wherein the upper tray is removed from the fully assembled submersible assembly, then one or more tissue cassettes are positionally fixed by placing them vertically into the slots of the central tray, the first end coming to rest on the lower tray, then the upper tray is reconnected to the submersible assembly over the interlocking brace, the second end being secured by the upper tray.