Embalming Chemicals

Arterial fluid

What is the only embalming chemical that is used diluted with water?

Disinfects, preserves, and firms tissue

What is the function of arterial fluid?

Vascular fluid, embalming fluid, preservative fluid

What else is arterial fluid known as?

Embalming solution, primary dilution

What else is arterial solution known as?

Arterial injection

What is the function of arterial solution?

Abdominal, thoracic, and pelvic cavity injection, surface and hypodermic embalming

What is the function of cavity fluid?

Pre-injection fluids, co-injection fluids, water corrective fluids

What are 3 examples of supplemental fluids?

Preservatives applied to body surface

What is the function of accessory chemicals?

Gels and powders

What are 2 examples of accessory chemicals?

Treats specific cases (jaundice, burns, decomp)

What is the function of special purpose fluids?

1-1.5% formaldehyde at 1 gallon per 50 pounds

From the 1930s-1970, what was the standard formaldehyde strength rule?

1 gallon per 50 pounds

What is the historic rule regarding how much arterial solution is used for a body?

Minimum of 2%

For a typical case, what would be the standard formaldehyde strength rule?

Formaldehyde and methyl alcohol

Almost all embalming fluids contain what chemicals?

Interact with proteins and remove water to reduce putrefaction

What is the purpose of preservatives in embalming?

No SDS, body only lasts 3-5 days, produces little firming

Describe green burial fluids.

37% by mass, 40% by volume

How much formaldehyde gas does formalin contain?

Amount of formaldehyde gas in 100 ml of concentrated fluid

Index refers to what?

15 and under

Low or weak index percentage range.

16-25

Medium index percentage range.

26+

High or strong index percentage range.

8 oz

How much formaldehyde is needed on average to embalm a human body?

85-99%

Paraformaldehyde contains how much formaldehyde?

Used to coat walls of cavities for autopsies

What is the function of paraformaldehyde?

New employee, new equipment, new chemicals, remodel

When do funeral home employers need to monitor formaldehyde levels?

Destroy microbes causing disease

What is the function of disinfectants?

Control rate of action of main preservatives in embalming fluid

What is the function of modifying agents?

Buffers, anticoagulants, surfactants, humectants

What are 4 examples of modifying agents?

Borax, sodium phosphates, citrates, sodium salt of EDTA

What are 4 examples of buffers?

7.2-7.4

Formaldehyde works best in what pH range?

Glycerol, sorbitol, glycols, lanoline

What are 4 examples of humectants?

Water conditioning agents

Anticoagulants are also known as what?

Sodium citrate and sodium salt of EDTA

What are 2 examples of anticoagulants?

Eosine, ponceau red, erythrosine, amaranth

What are 4 examples of dyes?

Active orange dye

Describe eosine.

Passive red dye

Describe ponceau red.

Active red dye

Describe erythrosine.

Active dark red brown dye

Describe amaranth.

Methyl salicylate, benzaldehyde, oil of cloves, oil of sassafras

What are 4 examples of perfuming materials/masking agents?

Water and alcohols

What are 2 examples of vehicles?