Embalming Chemicals II

What are the eight groups of embalming chemicals?

Preservatives, germicides, modifiers, anticoagulants, surfactants, dyes, re‑
odorants, vehicles

What products do embalming chemical groups combine to make?

Arterial fluids and supplemental or accessory products

What are the main purposes of preservatives?

Inhibit bacteria, arrest decomposition, and fix proteins

What is formaldehyde in embalming products?

A gas dissolved in solution

What does the formaldehyde index indicate?

The amount of formaldehyde gas in a product

What are two important characteristics of formaldehyde?

It is very water‑soluble and extremely reactive

What is paraformaldehyde?

A white powdery solid containing 85–99% formaldehyde

What is trioxane, and why is it seldom used?

A formaldehyde polymer with a chloroform‑like odor; it is costly

What are condensation products also called?

Formaldehyde donor compounds

What are two disadvantages of formaldehyde donor compounds?

High cost and a slow reaction rate

What is a dialdehyde?

A molecule containing two functional aldehyde groups

What is a notable effect of glyoxal?

It tends to stain tissues yellow

What is distinctive about glutaraldehyde?

It reacts across a wide pH range

Name two uses of methanol in embalming fluids.

Preservative and solvent for other ingredients

What tissue effects are associated with phenol?

It absorbs rapidly, penetrates skin, and grays tissues

How is phenol used, and what precaution is needed?

For bleaching discoloration; use it cautiously

What are quaternary ammonium compounds used for?

Cavity fluids and cold sterilization

What can embalming salts do?

Draw fluid into tissue spaces and act as buffers or preservatives

What are common uses of germicides in embalming?

Surface disinfection and inclusion in embalming solutions

What is the role of modifying agents?

They influence reactions and adjust preservative effects

What can formaldehyde do to small capillary walls when used alone?

Sear them and hinder solution diffusion

What do buffers do in embalming fluids?

Stabilize fluid acid‑base balance and help stabilize tissue pH

How do borax and excess carbonate affect embalming fluids?

Borax stabilizes formaldehyde; excess carbonate can damage it

What is the main action of humectants?

Retain moisture and help maintain tissue pliability

What is a useful property of glycerine?

It is hygroscopic and an excellent solvent

How does sorbitol compare with glycerine as a humectant?

It retains moisture, but less effectively than glycerine

What is propylene glycol used for besides retaining moisture?

It can inhibit mold

How do emulsified oils help in embalming fluids?

They mitigate the drying effect of preservatives

How do gums affect tissue?

They take up moisture, swell, and fill tissue spaces

Why can gums complicate embalming?

They may interfere with blood removal and fluid distribution

What are functions of inorganic salts in embalming?

Buffering, preservation, anticoagulation, and water conditioning

What do water conditioners do?

Reduce water hardness, aid penetration, and increase firmness

What is the purpose and limitation of anticoagulants?

They keep blood liquid but cannot dissolve clots

When may anticoagulants be introduced?

Before injection, during injection, or as an additive

How do citrates help prevent coagulation?

They inactivate calcium

What is EDTA’s role in embalming?

It is a very effective chelating agent, usually added at use

What do surfactants do to liquid surface tension?

They reduce it

How do surfactants aid fluid distribution?

They improve capillary flow and help displace body fluids

What are common surfactant examples?

Soaps, alkyl sulfonates, and sulfated alcohol salts

How do active and inactive dyes differ?

Active dyes color tissues; inactive dyes color only the solvent

What is the purpose of reodorants and vehicles?

Reodorants mask odors; vehicles carry and balance ingredients