Although mechanical and physical methods are most commonly used in laboratories because they are quick and inexpensive, they are also the most destructive and invasive methods, introducing artifacts into tissue.
Mechanical method:
- Tissue is tested by feeling for calcified bone by bending/flexing tissue
- If the tissue is flexible, calcium is not present
- Tissue can also be probed with a pin or needle in various locations
- If the pin inserts easily, calcium is not present
- Artifacts can be introduced, and tissue may be broken and damaged during testing
- This method is not accurate at determining the end-point of decalcification, and bone is frequently left in the decalcifier for too long using this method
