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DecalMATE

Automatic Fixation
and Decalcification System

Automate, Standardize and Document your Decalcification Protocols

DecalMATE is an advanced automated system proficient in customizing fixation and decalcification procedures tailored specifically for bone specimens. By introducing groundbreaking automatic protocols to modern laboratories, it ensures heightened diagnostic precision, result uniformity, and expedited turnaround times.
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DecalMATE Automatic fixation and decalcification system

VENTED REAGENT CABINET

for safe operations

FIXATIVE TANK

to fix the bone sample

RINSING TANK

for the first rinsing between fixative and decalcifier

DECALCIFIER TANK

to decalcify the bone sample

SECOND RINSING/MAINTENANCE SOLUTION TANK

to rinse/ keep fresh the bone sample

EXHAUST

to guarantee safe protocols

WORK BOARD

to comfortably check the decalcification status

WORKING AREA

with acid resistant coating

2 USB PORTS

to download full process documentation

7’’ TOUCHSCREEN TERMINAL

to set and customize process parameters

FIXATION/DECALCIFICATION CAVITY

with a protective cover
Automatc and Standardized

Automatic and Standardized

DecalMATE provides an automated and standardized approach to fixation and decalcification. Its setup includes a temperature-controlled processing cavity and an integrated magnetic stirrer that ensures uniform reagent temperature distribution and consistent flow onto the bone surface.
The system runs autonomously through each step, dispensing reagents into the cavity and returning them to their designated tanks upon completion. The operator simply selects the most appropriate protocol for the sample, ensuring reliable results run after run. At the end of the protocol, a signal alerts the operator that the process is complete.
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Optimal Results

Recent reports have systematically investigated the effects of various fixation and decalcification agents on the quantity and quality of RNA and DNA recovered from bone biopsies. These reports concluded that the RNA and DNA yield and integrity are significantly reduced when strong acids (hydrochloric, nitric) are used in comparison with 12,5-14% EDTA and formic acid.
FixativesDNA – Yield (ng)RNA – Yield (ng)Decal Time
14% EDTA
67.8
226.2
2 hours
Formic
41.5
175.0
2 hours
HNO3
11.4
51.7
2 hours
HCL/EDTA
5.3
30.5
2 hours

Analysis of the effect of various decalcification agents on the quality and quantity of nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) recovered from bone biopsies – Veena M. Singh et al. (2013)

The studies show that the use of either EDTA or formic acid as “soft” decalcifiers is preferred, as they are more suitable for molecular studies. Moreover, it has been noticed that the use of EDTA at a pH range of 7.2-7.4 further expedited the decalcification. Milestone MoL-DECALCIFIER allows this pH to be achieved without the need for an additional acid/base buffer by using an innovative pure EDTA solution based on a stoichiometric mixture of bibasic and tribasic EDTA. The combination of MoL-DECALCIFIER, temperature management and stirring function featured in the DecalMATE significantly reduces decalcification times.
FixationDecalcificationTemperatureTotal Time
Formalin 10%
MoL-DECALCIFIER
°C
Fixation + Decalcification
4h
36h
27
40h
1h 30’
16h 30’
37
18h
1h
4h
50
5h
Formalin 10%
Formic 10%
°C
Fixation + Decalcification
4h
4h
27
8h
1h 30’
1h 30’
37
3h
1h
4h
50
2h

DecalMATE typical protocols for bone marrows (Ø 1.8mm)

Here is an example of results achieved using MoL-DECALCIFIER. A control multiplex-PCR: amplification of different sized genomic segments (100,200,300,400 bp) harboring single-copy genes (Biomed-2) (Institute for Pathology Charité, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany).
Control multiplex-PCR
M: size standard
1: Tonsil conventional
2, 4, 6: MoL-DECALCIEFIER
3, 5, 7: Conventional

Operator-Friendly

The software on the built-in touch screen guides the operator through the process.

Step 1

Operator-Friendly - Step 1
The operator simply places the rack, closes the protective cover and selects the desired protocol.

Step 2

Operator-Friendly - Step 2
The system automatically carries out all 4 phases (fixation, rinsing, decalcification and second rinsing) without the intervention of the operator.

Step 3

Operator-Friendly - Step 3
At completion, an alarm sounds, and the system automatically loads a maintenance solution. The built-in work board enables a quick check of the decalcified tissue.
The operator also benefits from extensive customization possibilities for the protocols:
  • Temperature working range: 20-55°C
  • Reagents: full compatibility with most fixative (FineFIX, Fomalin) and decalcification solutions (MoL-DECALCIFIER, EDTA 20% (max 50°C), formic acid 20% (max 50°C), acetic acid 20% (max 50°C), hydrochloric acid 10% (max 37°C), nitric acid 10% (max 37°C), trichloroacetic acid 10% (max 37°C).
  • Rack: wide choice based on the sample’s requirements (Rack for 30 standard cassettes, Rack for 16 mega cassettes, Rack for 6 supermega cassettes, internal divider)
Safety

Safety

DecalMATE ensures the safe execution of fixation and decalcification protocols. Reagents are stored in tanks within a dedicated ventilated cabinet. The work surface is equipped with an exclusive protective cover and an exhaust system to remove potentially harmful vapors. The system includes safety sensors that continuously monitor reagent temperature.
An additional sensor on the cavity cover monitors its secure closure. This serves dual purposes: ensuring the operator’s safety when the reagent is hot and guaranteeing uniform heating of the reagent within the cavity. The reagent management system keeps users informed about reagent lifespan and provides timely alerts for replacements when necessary.

Full Documentation

Through the software, every factor influencing the fixation and decalcification process is documented and stored in a logbook, which can be transferred to a USB stick and printed for quality assurance and compliance purposes. This includes:
  • Type of fixatives/decalcification solutions used
  • Time and date of fixation/decalcification run
  • Fixation phase duration and temperature
  • Decalcification phase duration and temperature
  • Events Log
  • Saved runs
Full Documentation

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