A histochemical method for the detection of metals in tissues, with reference to the use of surgical implants

This report describes a method for the detection of metals in tissues that is suitable for a routine pathology laboratory. The method has been developed specifically for the examination of soft tissues taken at biopsy from the site of surgical implants. It involves the mineralization of organic matter in sections by sodium metasilicate and the conversion of the metals to sulphates by sulphuric acid, which are then stained by appropriate solutions. The method is described with particular reference to titanium and cobalt.