embalm I : L6

what is the purpose of embalming

• disinfection

• restoration

• temporary preservation

the use of preservative chemicals during embalming help with:

• inactivating the chemical groups of proteins or amino acids

• inhibiting further decomposition

• killing microorganisms

• destroying odors and eliminating further production

preservatives used in embalming are:

• aldehydes

• alcohols

• phenolic compounds

the most common preservatives used in arterial fluids are ____

aldehydes

index

the strength of embalming fluids indicated by the number of grams of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100 ml of solution

in its natural state, formaldehyde is a ____

gas

formaldehyde specifically reacts with proteins by ___ it

denaturing

when formaldehyde gas is dissolved in an aqueous solution (water) at 37% by weight and 40% by volume, it is known as _____

formalin

we technically embalm with ____

formalin

chemically, aldehydes react to:

• protein/amino acids

• nitrogenous waste (counteracts it and lessens the preservation

preservative demand

amount of preservation required to effectively embalm remains

neutralize formaldehyde with ____

ammonia

NEVER mix formaldehyde with ____

bleach

neutralized formaldehyde (and ammonia) is chemically known as _____

urotropin

5 main categories of embalming chemicals

1. arterial fluids

2. cavity fluids

3. supplemental fluids

4. special purpose fluids

5. accessory chemicals

Arterial fluids

concentrated preservative embalming chemicals used for injection into the arterial system during vascular embalming.• Their purpose is specifically to embalm human tissue. Remember their function from previous slides – chemically reacting with protein.

Active dyes

will impart permanent color to embalmed tissues

Inactive dyes -

will not impart permanent color to tissues, generally used to impart color to a chemical (simply to make that chemical a certain color to distinguish it from others on the shelf). When an arterial chemical contains an

Preservatives -

substances used to inhibit protein decomposition and inactivate enzymes.

Disinfectants -

an agent, usually chemical, applied to inanimate surfaces/objects to kill most disease-causing microbial agents; excluding some resistant bacterial spores.

The following chemicals are highly effective disinfectants:

• Quaternary ammonia compounds (used chiefly for germicidal/deodorizing properties

• Aldehydes (glutaraldehyde > more effective than formaldehyde)

• Alcohols

• Phenolic compounds

Vehicles

liquids that serve as solvents for the components of embalming fluids and solutions.

the main vehicle used in embalming is ______

water

Dyes

natural or synthetic compounds that are used to impart color to another material.

Masking/Perfuming Agents -

chemicals found in arterial fluid having the capability of displacing an unpleasant odor or of altering an unpleasant odor so that it is converted to a more pleasant one.

Modifying Agents -

Chemicals incorporated into commercial preservative fluids to meet the varying demands of embalming procedures.

Humectants -

chemicals that increase the capability of tissue to retain moisture.

Buffers -

substances capable of neutralizing acids and bases to maintain a constant pH

Anticoagulants -

retard the natural postmortem tendency of blood to become viscous and prevents adverse reactions between blood and other embalming chemicals.

Surfactants -

chemical that reduces the molecular cohesion and surface tension of a liquid so it can flow through smaller apertures.

Cavity Fluid -

concentrated embalming chemical injected into the cavities of the body following the aspiration of the body; can also be used in hypodermic and surface embalming.

Supplementary Fluids -

fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection that will enhance the actions of the arterial solution

Pre-injection fluids

(capillary wash, get the vascular system prepped)

Co-injection fluids –

can be pre-injection fluids but now used with arterial fluid

Humectants –

hydrate and add moisture to tissues and prevent dehydration

Water corrective fluids –

corrects pH and conditions tap water

Dyes –

if using an arterial chemical without an active dye

Edema reducing fluids –

reduce edematous or waterlogged tissues

Special Purpose Fluids

can be used as co-injectants, or sometimes pre-injectants, in your arterial embalming solution.

High index fluids (26 and above) –

used for difficult cases

Jaundice fluids –

arterial fluid with bleaching and coloring qualities for use on bodies with jaundice, normally low index.

Tissue gas fluids –

used to stop tissue gas by stopping its causative bacteria, clostridium perfringens

Non-formaldehyde/ “green”/natural fluids –

depending on chemical makeup, some may not be suitable for burial in strict Green Cemeteries

Accessory Chemicals –

a group of preservative chemicals used in addition to vascular/arterial and cavity embalming fluids; not injected and most often applied to the body surface

Hardening compounds -

chemical in powder form that has the ability to absorb moisture and/or preserve tissue; used in cavity treatment of autopsied cases.

Preservative powders -

chemical in powder form typically used for surface embalming of the remains.

Mold preventative agents

used to prevent or stop mold growth

Sealing agents -

material used to provide a barrier or seal against leakage of fluid or blood

Surface applicants –

normally a gel that is applied to the surface for treatment and/or preservation.

Cauterizing agents –

applied topically to treat specific areas by cauterizing and drying them

Tissue builder/filler –

chemical that is injected hypodermically with a syringe to fill or build up sunken/emaciated tissue.

Solvents

• General solvents

• Tissue builder solvent

• Acetone

General solvents –

clean skin and hair

Tissue builder solvent –

cleans out the syringe after using tissue builder

Acetone –

fingernail polish remover, can be used to smooth wax (Restorative Art)

by lowering the ____ of the preservative solution, _____ aid or cause the embalming solution to flow more readily and rapidly through the capillaries

surface tension; surfactants

among other compounds used as anti clotting materials are magnesium sulfate (____)

epsom salt

high index

index 26-38

medium index

index 16-25

low index

index 5-15

How would you classify preservative powder or cauterizing agent? 

accessory chemicals

Are Epsom salts used in embalming chemicals? If so, what purpose does it serve?

yes ; anticoagulants / capillary wash solutions

Would it be correct to say that cauterizing agents in gel form could be called an autopsy gel? 

no; surface applicants may be referred to as “autopsy gels”

Chemicals used as humectants:

• Aloe
• Glycerine
• Sorbitol
• Glycols
• Lanolin
• Gums – vegetable and synthetic

Chemicals used as buffers:

• Borates (borax)
• Carbonates
• Phosphates
• Citrates
• Sodium salt of EDTA

Chemicals used as
anticoagulants:

• Borates
• Sodium citrate
• Sodium salt of EDTA
• Epsom salts

All of the following are accessory chemicals:

• Hardening compounds
• Preservative powders
• Mold preventative agents
• Sealing agents
• Surface applicants
• Cauterizing agents

Chemicals used as dyes

• Eosin
• Ponceau
• Erythrosine
• Amaranth
• Carmine

Chemicals used as masking or perfuming agents:

• Methyl Salicylate
• Benzaldehyde
• Oil of Sassafras
• Oil of Cloves
• Floral compounds

modifying agents include:

• Humectants
• Buffers
• Anticoagulants
• Surfactants

phenol is a common ingredient for ____

mold preventative agents & cauterizing agents