Embalming Chemicals Terminology

Accessory chemical

A group of preservative chemicals used in addition to vascular (arterial) and cavity embalming fluids; most are applied to the body surface.

Anticoagulant

Ingredient of embalming fluid that retards the natural postmortem tendency of blood to become viscous and prevents adverse reactions between blood and other embalming chemicals.

Arterial fluid

Concentrated preservative embalming chemical for injection into the arterial system during vascular embalming.

Arterial solution

Mixture of arterial fluid and water used for arterial injection and may include supplemental fluids.

Bactericide

Buffer

Substance capable of neutralizing acids and bases to maintain a constant pH.

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.

Cosmetic fluid

Arterial fluid that contains active dyes intended to restore a more natural skin tone.

Disinfectant

An agent, usually chemical, applied to inanimate objects/surfaces to destroy most disease-causing microbial agents, excluding bacterial spores.

Active dye

Agent that will impart permanent color to tissues.

Inactive dye

Agent that will not impart permanent color to tissues; generally used to impart color to a chemical.

Formaldehyde

Colorless, strong-smelling gas that when used in solution is a powerful preservative and disinfectant; a known carcinogen.

Masking or perfuming agent

Chemical 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 agent

Chemical(s) added to arterial fluid to offset the negative factors of commonly used preservatives.

Non-cosmetic fluid

Arterial fluid which does not contain active dyes and will not impart a color change upon the body tissues.

Paraformaldehyde

Solid form of formaldehyde.

Phenol (carbolic acid)

Common in the early days of embalming fluids. A preservative and germicide that penetrates the skin rapidly and absorbs proteins. Used rarely in cavity fluids as it produces gray tissues.

Preservative

A chemical that inactivates saprophytic bacteria and attempts to arrest decomposition by converting body tissue to a form less susceptible to decomposition.

Supplemental fluid

Fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection.

Surfactant

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

Special purpose fluid

Fluids designed for use with specific body conditions that require a high preservative.

Vehicle

Liquid that serves as a solvent for embalming fluids.

Water conditioner

Agent used to remove ions from the water supply.

Pre-injection fluids

Fluids injected before arterial solution.

Co-injection fluids

Fluids injected alongside arterial solution.

Formalin

Commercial source of formaldehyde. An aqueous solution of the gas dissolved in water.

Index

Strength of embalming fluids indicated by the number of grams of pure formaldehyde gas dissolved in 100 ml of solution; usually refers to a percentage.

Trioxane

A colorless crystalline that is expensive and not usually used in embalming.

Glyoxal

A dialdehyde used in some cavity fluids but stains the tissues yellow.

Formaldehyde donor compounds

Fumeless products released at a very slow rate after being distributed to soft tissue. Have a slow reaction time and are very expensive.

Glutaraldehyde

Reacts with proteins over a wide pH range. A liquid that is a more effective disinfectant than formaldehyde, disinfects against viruses and spores.

Humectants

Control tissue moisture balance.

Glycerol

Increases germ killing effectiveness of preservatives.

Sorbitol and glycols

Control the moisture loss in tissues.

Hard water

Tap water that contains calcium salts. May promote clotting of blood. Neutralized by adding an anticoagulant.

Methyl salicylate

Oil of wintergreen.

Benzaldehyde

Oil of bitter almonds.