Radiography (x-rays) have commonly been used to follow the decalcification process of large bones and femur heads. An x-ray can reveal even tiny calcium deposits with minimal damage to tissue.
X-ray method:
- Least invasive
- Most accurate at determining the end-point
- Results are immediate
- Access to available radiographic units differs among laboratories
- More expensive than other methods
- Not for tissue fixed in metallic fixatives (zinc, mercuric chloride), as they give false positives
