with a prevention of over-hardening and retention of color of tissues and organs. In addition, they must inhibit desiccation, and bacterial or fungal growth. Reduction of both potential biohazards and environmental chemical hazards is essential during both the preparation and preservation periods. During the early days of embalming most fluids used were inadequate to care for many difficult cases, and the results lied predominantly on the chemicals themselves. Prior to the introduction of carbolic acid, or phenol, and later of formaldehyde, the main preserving agents used in anatomies were alcoholic solutions of arsenic and/ or alumina salts in different concentrations. Through, Preservation fluids Preservation fluids are a base mixture of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde or in some cases phenol which are then diluted to gain the final index of the arterial solution. Normal index is between 18%-35%. ● Arterial fluids : Firming or Hard, Medium or Semi-Firm, Low firming, and Cosmetic ● Cavity fluid : Regular fuming, Low fume, Odorless, and Non-Irritant Formaldehyde Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a colorless gas with a pungent and irritating odor. Soluble in water, Formaldehyde is used in the gaseous form as a germicide and disinfectant and in water solution (formalin) as a preservative and germicide. Triple-based arterial fluids provide additional preservatives for complete interaction with variable body tissues. Formaldehyde has disinfecting qualities, which destroy putrefactive organisms when carried by a proper fluid vehicle allowing it to pass through the body and penetrate these organisms. Formaldehyde take-up is the rate proteins absorb and react to HCHO. A 10% concentration of HCHO diffuses into the tissues faster than it hardens the protein. Beyond a 10% dilution, hardening is faster than the diffusion process. Hardening of cross-linked tissue creates the “walling-off” effect. Surface embalming may be apparent but depth preservation is lacking, this will present softening of the tissue during decomposition from inadequate chemical preservation. In addition to its short shelf life, formaldehyde’s odor, which, as mentioned above, it can be extremely irritating to the embalmer. In addition, many consider formaldehyde a suspected carcinogen, though formal studies have been largely inconclusive. Other disadvantages that can commonly appear during the embalming process include Germicides (Disinfectants) Used for the primary purposes of sanitation, germicides are a key ingredient in arterial and cavity fluids, germicides are also included in fluids used for co-injection and surface Buffers are used as a modifying agent in embalming fluids in order to maintain the pH balance of the fluid being passed through the vascular system. After death, the body’s pH balance begins to fluctuate. Acid rises during the onset of rigor mortis and becomes alkaline or basic after the release of rigor mortis. The use of a buffer helps to regulate this fluctuation so that the arterial fluid can do its part in the preservation process. Chemicals that can act as buffers in the embalming fluid include sodium borate, boric acid, sodium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate. Modifying agents Buffers
progression of chemical manufacturers the fluids used today are manufactured at the highest possible efficiency, thus the final result of the embalming process has been shifted from the chemical to the knowledge base and skill of the embalmer. For the purpose of this chemical review the primary categories for fluids will be grouped as, preservation fluids, germicides (disinfectants) and modifying agents. Though, there are dozens of chemicals available to the embalming practitioner we will identify and discuss only the primary fluids and components used during the preservation process. A list will be provided of any ad the gray coloring of the tissue when mixed with blood left in the body, causing dehydration of the tissue and permanently fixating discolorations making them hard to conceal. Glutaraldehyde Similar to the properties of formaldehyde, but less dehydrating, glutaraldehyde changes the nature of the protein and makes it repellent to bacteria trying to feed off of the bodies decaying tissue. Despite being less offensive and comparable to formaldehyde it has not become as widely used as formaldehyde. Although, it produces the same disinfecting qualities, many embalmers feel that, when glutaraldehyde is used, the tissue does not seem to attain comparable firmness. Alcohols Alcohols used in embalming have a distinct bactericidal as well as some bacteriostatic action touching vegetative forms. Similar to phenol and widely used for green burials, alcohols have a wide range of antiviral, antifungal and antimycosal effects. The predominant mode of action appears to come from protein coagulation, with the fact that proteins are not de-naturated as readily in the absence of water as by mixtures of alcohol and water. Phenol Phenol is a chemical that is used as both a preservative and as a germicidal. It is also known as carbolic acid . Used as a primary component of embalming fluids for many years, today it is primarily found in cavity treatment fluids and used and as a topical bleaching agent. When mixed with arterial fluid, phenol tends to take on a greying affect making discolorations hard to conceal. It is best used when injected with a hypodermic needle or as a surface pack.
disinfection. These additives are designed to kill and prevent the spread of disease causing microorganism, both on the surface and interior of the body.
Surfactants (Wetting agents) Surfactants also known as wetting agents are used in the embalming process by lowering the surface tension of the arterial embalming solution. This allows the arterial fluid being used to filter out of the capillary beds in a constant uniform manner and through the vascular system. In addition, surfactants also work to prevent blotching of the skin caused by dye that is used in the arterial fluid. Chemicals that act as surfactants in embalming fluids include soap, alkyl sulfonates, oils, and quaternary ammonia compounds.
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Book Code: FOK0425
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