Embalming Test 1 Vocabulary

Embalming

the process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce presence and growth of microorganisms, retard organic decomposition, and restore an acceptable physical appearance.

Goals of Embalming

1. Disinfection

2. Temporary preservation

   1. altering body proteins

   2. neutralizing enzymes

3. Restoration

Vascular Embalming

using the vascular system to introduce embalming solution into body

Surface Embalming

direct contact of body tissues with embalming chemicals

Hypodermic Embalming

direct injection of embalming chemicals into tissues

Cavity 

treatments of contents of body cavities and hollow viscera

Distribution

movement of embalming solution from point of injection, through the arterial system to capillaries

Diffusion

passage of components of embalming solution from an intravascular to extravascular location, or across cellular membranes

Drainage

discharge or withdrawal of blood, interstitial fluid, and embalming fluids from body

Formalin 

saturated formaldehyde solution 

Embalming Fluid

undiluted chemical from manufacturer

Embalming Solution

diluted chemical as mixed by embalmer

C₁

initial concentration; concentration (index) in bottle

V₁

initial volume; volume of fluid used

C₂

diluted concentration; concentration in tank

V₂

diluted volume; volume of solution in tank

Crosslinking

coagulation of protein due to the reaction of formaldehyde with proteins

Reverence for the Dead

ethical model for funeral service based upon the feelings of respect for the dead; must treat the dead as your own family 

Sanitization

process promoting conditions minimizing or eliminating biohazzards

Sterilization

removing or destroying all life forms or their products

Disinfection

destruction of infectious agents by chemical or physical means

Antisepsis

preventing or inhibiting growth of pathogens

Bacteriostatic

inhibits bacterial reproduction

Scrubbing

removal of visible contaminants

Autoclave

uses steam at 121.5°C at 15lb/in² above normal atmospheric pressure for 15 minutes; destroys bacterial spores

Chemical Sterilization

“Cold” Sterilization

Antiseptic

inhibits pathogenic microbial growth on living tissue

Disinfectant

destroys pathogenic microbes on inanimate objects

Gemicide

destroys microorganisms

Bactericide

destroys bacteria, but not spores

Sporicide

destroys bacteria and mold spores

Fungicide

destroys fungi and their spores

Viricide

destroys viruses

Insecticide (Pediculicide)

destroys certain insects

Larvicide

destroys insect larvae

Fumigant

gas based disinfectant

Primary Disinfection

performed prior to embalming process 

Concurrent Disinfection

performed during embalming process

Terminal Disinfection

performed after embalming process

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Benzalkonium Chloride; will neutralize soaps and formaldehyde

Tincture 

iodine and alcohol

Iodophore

iodine and surfactant

Chlorine

do not use around formaldehyde

Centrifugal Pump

most common injection method

Pump

allows for constant pressure, rate of flow

Pressure Valve

controls amount of fluid returned to reservoir tank

Flow Control Valve

controls the amount of fluid delivered to arterial tube (the body)

Pressure Gauge

indicates pressure in delivery line

Pressure 

force required to distribute embalming solution through the body; measured in pounds per square inch (psi)

Potential Pressure

reading on machine with no fluid leaving

Actual Pressure

reading on machine with fluid leaving; indicated pressure in delivery system when chemical is entering the body

Differential Pressure

difference between potential and actual pressure; indicator of rate of flow

Rate of Flow

amount of embalming solution entering the body in a given period of time; measured in ounces per minute (oz/min)

Co-Injection Fluids

fluids added to arterial fluid that provide actions that Arterial Fluid cannot; can act as a vehicle for waterless embalming

Dyes

concentrated coloring agents

Surfactants

break surface tension of blood in capillaries

Buffers

regulate pH

Anticoagulants

remove Ca ions from hard water

Humectants 

help tissue retain moisture; protect tissue from harsh reactions of formaldehyde; keeps tissue pliable

*not used on bodies with edema/wet decomp

Pre-Injection Fluids

injected prior to prepare arterial system for injection of arterial solution

*not used on bodies with circulatory problems or edema

Cavity Fluids

disinfect and preserve contents of hollow viscera; injected hypodermically into thorax and abdomen; can be used as a preservative for surface embalming 

Cauterants/Bleaching Agents

used in surface embalming to cauterize raw tissue or to bleach discolorations

Embalming Powders

solid preservatives/dehydrants that are used in surface embalming to treat autopsy viscera, fill cavities, and absorb leakage

Preservative Gels

gelatinous preservatives used in surface embalming for preserving under-embalmed tissue or treating raw tissue

Massage Cream

Used to cleanse pores, remove makeup, protect skin from electric spatula, prevent skin from dehydrating, and can be used as a base for cream cosmetics

Incision Sealing Powder

absorbs leakage in incisions

Putty (Mastic Compound)

used to fill in cheeks/concavities and recreate surface contour

Adhesive

used to adhere lips and eyelids after embalming

Liquid Sealers

used to seal excision and incisions and can act as binding agent for cotton

Lip and Lid Cement

used to secure lips or eyelids during embalming

Solvents

used to dissolve substances on the body and to clean instruments and surfaces

Stockings

leggings with a full foot

Sleeves

cover arms or legs without covering hands or feet

Pants

cover pelvis area

Coveralls

cover abdomen up to chest and pelvis down to upper thigh

Unionalls

complete plastic suit that covers all of body except head and hands

Envelope Body Bag

plastic bag with one length edge unattached 

Disaster Pouch (Hazzard Bag)

heavy plastic body bag with a zippered pouch

Cling Wrap

used to cover surface embalming chemicals and wrap raw tissue

*has to be secured with duct tape

Center for Disease Control

tracks communicable diseases to prevent outbreaks and epidemics

Poison 

any substance that imperils health or life when absorbed into the body

Toxin

substance produced by higher plants, animals, or pathogenic bacteria that is poisonous to humans

Minimum Lethal Dose (MLD, LD min)

smallest dose of a poison that produces death 

Lethal Dose 50 (LD₅₀)

amount of poison that kills 50% of a population that is poisoned

Safety Data Sheet

16-section document giving information on hazardous substances; must have one for every chemical in the workplace and must be accessible to all employees

Danger

signal word that describes a substance that is more severeWar

Warning

signal word that describes a substance less sever but still hazardous

Paraformaldehyde 

polymerized formaldehyde 

Carcinogenicity

potential carcinogen

Bloodborne Pathogen

pathogenic microorganism present in the human blood

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

equiptment used for eye protection, protection of clothing, avoiding inhalation of chemicals and infectious materials, and avoiding parenteral infection

Universal Precaution

treat all bodies as if they have deadly infectious diseases

OPIM

Other potentially infectious material

Infectious Waste (Biohazard)

biological agent or condition that constitutes a hazard to humans

Epidemiology 

symptoms and mode of transmission