Embalming Chemicals

What do vascular preservation fluids do?

alter proteins into a resinous substance by chemical means. Injected via the blood vascular system to infiltrate tissues and preserve them by halting the processes of decomposition for a time.

What is the index of a fluid?

The amount of formaldehyde gas, measured in grams, dissolved in 100 mL of solution

What is a weak amount of formaldehyde gas?

5-15

What is a strong amount of formaldehyde gas?

25-36+

What is a medium amount of formaldehyde gas?

16-24

What are non cosmetic fluids (inactive)?

Colored to gauge distribution but do not impart a color upon the tissues

What are cosmetic fluids (active)?

fluids that effectively change the color or tone of the tissues on which they are used

What are preservatives?

The portion of an embalming solution that contains the chemical that actively preserves tissue

What are disinfectants?

fluids that destroy or otherwise inhibit bacteria in the body

What are anticoagulants?

Agents which compromise the ability of blood to clot

What are vehicles?

Delivery method for embalming solution, usually water or alcohol

What are surfactants?

Chemical that reduces the molecular cohesion of a substance to allow it to flow through a smaller aperture. Wetting agents, surface tension reducers, penetrating agents or surface active agents

What are dyes?

Coloring agents that are either cosmetic (active) or non cosmetic (inactive)

What are perfuming agents?

Masking agents that either eliminate or reduce harsh or unwelcome odors

Humectants are a modifying agent that...

counter the dehydrating effects of formaldehyde and help tissues to retain a proper moisture balance

Buffers are modifying agents that...

alter the pH balance of embalming fluids and the tissues on which they act to achieve a greater effect

What are water conditioners?

Act upon waters high in calcium ions to inhibit the clotting effect they have on blood and to help preservative chemicals work better

What are the effects of vascular preservation?

firm and possesses a desirable, lifelike color. Fluids that once resided in the body should be either removed or disinfected to hinder decomposition

What is the purpose of cavity fluids?

designed to treat the hollow organs of the viscera by preserving, disinfecting and deodorizing them. Can be used as surface compresses or injected hypodermically

What is the composition of cavity fluids?

primarily of formaldehyde to produce a firming effect (fixation)

What are supplemental fluids?

Fluids which enhance the effectiveness of the preservation fluid

What are some pre injection fluids?

Vessel conditioners and anti-coagulants

What are some co-injection fluids?

Water conditioners, anti-coagulants, humectants or restorative fluids, dyes

What are special purpose fluids?

Fluids designed for use with specific body conditions that require high preservation (ex: burns, edema, jaundice, decomp, etc)

Why do jaundice fluids have low formaldehyde content?

to limit the conversion of bilirubin to biliverdin

Why do jaundice fluids have a bleaching agent?

Limit discolorations

To offset the affects of jaundice discolorations, jaundice fluids have...

counter staining compounds

What are high preservation demand fluids?

Fluids possessing high quantities of formaldehyde for difficult cases

What cases might high preservation demand fluids be used for?

Extended refridgeration, frozen tissues, advanced decomposition, renal failure

What are accessory chemicals?

Chemicals used in addition to the vascular and cavity fluids. Typically for use on the body surface

What are hardening compounds?

Accessory chemicals- plaster of paris or equivalent that absorb moisture from the body and trap it to prevent leakage

What is alum?

accessory chemical that absorbs moisture

Moisture absorbents are accessory chemicals, what are some examples?

Wood powder and clays

What are mold preventative agents?

Accessory chemicals which prevent mold spores from thriving

What are preserving powders?

Accessory chemicals which usually contain paraformaldehyde and a deodarant

What are sealing agents?

Accessory chemicals that aid in the closure of wounds or incisions either by adhering to the edges of an opening, cautery, or absorbing moisture to prevent leakage. Include powders, creams, sprays and liquids

What is the purpose of surface drying chemicals?

dries and hardens lesions, excisions and cavities

What is the composition of surface drying chemicals?

Coagulating agents and preservatives (phenols and cresols)

What is primary dilution?

Mixture of embalming chemicals and the vehicle. Usually takes place in the tank of the embalming machine.

Embalming analysis determines...

the amount of dilution needed in primary dilution.

Primary dilution formula

concentrated oz x index = % x total solution

What is secondary dilution?

Dilution that occurs when embalming solution mixes with the fluids of the body

What should you be mindful of in secondary dilution?

Size and composition of the body as well as the interval between death