Embalming Fluids | Quizlet

What is arterial fluid?

A concentrated preservative chemical used primarily for arterial embalming

What is the purpose of arterial fluid?

Preservation and disinfection via the arterial system

What does arterial fluid primarily affect?

Proteins in the body

What is a cosmetic fluid?

Arterial fluid that contains active dyes to restore natural skin tone

What is a non-cosmetic fluid?

Arterial fluid that does not contain active dyes

What is arterial solution?

A mixture of arterial fluid, water, and possibly supplemental fluids

What is pre-injection fluid?

Fluids that clear blood and improve distribution of arterial solution

What are common components of pre-injection fluids?

Water conditioners; Surfactants; Anticoagulants; Humectants

What is co-injection fluid?

Fluids used to supplement and enhance the arterial fluid

Components of Arterial Fluid

What is a preservative in embalming?

A chemical that inactivates bacteria and slows decomposition

What is a disinfectant?

A chemical that destroys most microbial agents on inanimate surfaces

What is a vehicle?

The solvent that carries the embalming chemicals

What is an active dye?

A dye that imparts permanent color to tissues

What is an inactive dye?

A dye that colors the fluid but not the tissues

What are perfuming agents?

Chemicals that mask or convert unpleasant odors

What are modifying agents?

Chemicals that adjust embalming fluid for varying conditions

Preservatives

What is formaldehyde (HCHO)?

A colorless, toxic gas with a strong odor used as a preservative

formaldehyde

HCHO

Glutaraldehyde

C5H8O2

What is formalin?

Formaldehyde gas dissolved in water at 37% by weight, 40% by volume

What is paraformaldehyde?

A polymerized form of formaldehyde, often in powders

List some advantages of formaldehyde.

Inexpensive; Bactericidal; Rapid enzyme action; Mold inhibition; Small amounts preserve large tissue volumes

List some disadvantages of formaldehyde.

Coagulates blood; Causes gray discoloration; Fixes existing stains; Dehydrating; Age deterioration; Narrow pH range

What is the optimal pH range for formaldehyde?

7.3 - 7.5

What factors influence formaldehyde shelf life?

Temperature; Time; Methanol; pH; Light

What is the index of embalming fluid?

Grams of formaldehyde per 100 ml; indicates strength

What are the index ranges?

Low: 0-18; Medium: 19-27; High: 28-36

Glutaraldehyde (C5H8O2)

What is glutaraldehyde?

A colorless liquid used as an embalming preservative

Advantages of glutaraldehyde over formaldehyde?

Less odor; Less inhalation risk; Wider pH range (7.3-9.0); Less dehydrating; Softer tissue result

Other Preservatives

Name other preservatives used.

Phenolic compounds; Alcohols; Other aldehydes like cinnamaldehyde

Disinfectants

Common disinfectants in embalming?

Quaternary ammonium compounds; Aldehydes; Alcohols; Phenolic compounds

Modifying Agents

What are humectants?

Chemicals that retain moisture in tissues

Examples of humectants?

Aloe; Glycerol; Sorbitol; Glycol; Lanolin

What are buffers?

Substances that maintain pH balance

Examples of buffers?

Borax; Sodium phosphates; Citrates; Sodium salt of EDTA

What are anticoagulants?

Agents that prevent blood from thickening

Examples of anticoagulants?

Sodium citrate; Sodium salt of EDTA

What is a chelate?

A substance that binds metal ions

What are surfactants?

Chemicals that reduce surface tension for better fluid flow

Examples of surfactants?

Sulfonates; Sodium lauryl sulfate

Special Purpose Arterial Fluids

What are jaundice fluids?

Low-formaldehyde fluids with bleaching/counterstaining agents for jaundice cases

What is counterstaining?

Use of dye to mask internal discoloration

Other special arterial fluids?

High-index fluids; Edema-reducing fluids; Tissue gas chemicals

Cavity Fluids

What is cavity fluid?

Concentrated chemical for cavities, post-aspiration

Components of cavity fluid?

Preservatives; Disinfectants; Surfactants; Vehicles

What is a fixative?

Agent that preserves the form of tissue

Accessory Chemicals

What are accessory chemicals?

Chemicals used outside the arterial/cavity systems

What are hardening compounds?

Powders that absorb moisture and preserve tissue

What is preservative powder?

Often paraformaldehyde-based powder to arrest decomposition

Examples of surface applications?

Surface packs; Bleaching agents

What are sealing agents?

Chemicals used internally or externally to seal incisions or wounds

What are cauterizing agents?

Phenol-based chemicals that seal or burn tissue

What are mold inhibitors?

Phenol or thymol-based gels or sprays used to prevent mold