embalming week 9

Accessory chemical

a group of preservative chemicals used in addition to vascular and cavity embalming fluids

most are applied to the body surface

Anticoagulant

ingredient of embalming fluid that slows 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

coloring agents added to embalming fluids to produce an internal cosmetic effect within the tissues of the decedent

Inactive dye

lend color to the fluid in the bottle

Formaldehyde (HCHO)

colorless, strong-smelling gas that when used in solution is a powerful preservative and disinfectant

a known carcinogen

Masking/Perfuming agent

chemical found in embalming formulations 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

chemicals 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 cosmetic color change upon the body tissues

Paraformaldehyde

solid form of formaldehyde (85-99%) used in powdered preparations such as embalming and hardening compounds

Phenol (Carbolic Acid)

preservative and germicide

a coal tar derivative that is a colorless crystalline solid, very soluble in water, and weakly acidic

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

a 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

a liquid that serves as a solvent for embalming fluids

Water conditioner

agent used to remove ions from the water supply