Hollande solution can decalcify small bone specimens.

• A. Hollande solution
• B. Bouin solution
• C. Glutaraldehyde
• D. Michel solution

Answer: (A)

Removing mineral content from bone to allow thin tissue sections is decalcification. For small bone specimens, you want a decalcifier that removes calcium effectively but preserves tissue morphology enough for reliable staining. Hollande solution delivers that balance: it decalcifies with acids in a way that is fast enough for small samples but gentle enough to maintain good cellular and architectural detail for routine histology. This makes it suitable where you need clear, intact sections without excessive shrinkage or over‑decalcification.

Bouin’s solution, by contrast, is a fixative that preserves tissue structure but is not used to remove minerals; it can complicate decalcification and staining. Glutaraldehyde is another fixative, mainly for electron microscopy, and does not decalcify bone. Michel solution is also a fixative, not a decalcifier. Therefore Hollande solution is the appropriate choice for decalcifying small bone specimens.