Embalming 6

Arterial Fluids

Are concentrated preservative embalming chemicals used for injection into the arterial system during vascular embalming
Preservatives
Disinfectants
Vehicles
Dyes
Masking/perfuming agents
Modifying agents

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 inactive dye, a separate active dye may be added

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.
Quaternary ammonia compounds
Aldehydes (glutaraldehyde > more effective than formaldehyde)
Alcohols
Phenolic compounds

Vehicles

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

Dyes

Natural or synthetic compounds that are used to impart color to another material; if using an arterial chemical without an active dye
Eosin
Ponceau
Erythrosine
Amaranth
Carmine

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. hydrate and add moisture to tissues and prevent dehydration

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 flowthrough 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.
Preservatives
Disinfectants
Vehicles

Supplementary Fluid

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

Water Corrective Fluids

Corrects pH and conditions tap water

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 Chemical

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 Preventive

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)