Embalming Chemicals (Test 3) Flashcards
1
Q
Material safety and data sheet.
- Tells you hazards of chemicals
A
MSDS
2
Q
Amount that will kill 50% of the group to which it is administered.
A
LD50
3
Q
Smallest dose that can kill a person.
A
Minimum lethal dose
4
Q
The fixation of proteins. (Makes the proteins fixed and firmed).
Conveys the following properties:
- The viscosity is increase
- The tissue is firmer
- The resistance to enzymes is increased.
- Water solubility and sensitivity to hydrolysis is decreased.
A
Coagulation of proteins
5
Q
The thickness of a liquid. The state of being thick, sticky and semifluid in consistency.
A
Viscosity
6
Q
The movement of fluid from the point of injection to the tissues.
A
Distribution
7
Q
Movement of fluid into the tissues.
A
Diffusion
8
Q
- LD50
- Minimum lethal dose
- Action level
- Acute effect
- Hazardous chemical
- Health hazard
- PEL (permissible exposure level)
- STEL (Short term exposure limit)
- TWA (Time weighted average)
A
Information that the MSDS provides
9
Q
Most of the chemicals involved with embalming are hazardous. This can tell you these hazards.
A
Importance of the MSDS to embalmers
10
Q
- Aldehydes, alcohols, phenols, and formaldehyde “donor” compounds.
- Sanitize and preserve.`
A
- Preservatives
11
Q
- Inactivate the proteins and amino acids.
- Inhibits further decomposition.
- Inactivates enzymes (proteins).
- Kills microorganisms.
- Destroys odors and eliminates further production (deodorants).
A
5 major functions of preservatives.
12
Q
Cross linking the nitrogens:
- imide side chains
- Amino group
- Peptide bonds
A
- Inactivate the proteins and amino acids.
13
Q
- Slow down decomposition, but they do not reverse it, nothing can.
A
- Inhibits further decomposition.
14
Q
Inactivates enzymes from bacteria (putrefyers) and from your cells (autolytic).
A
- Inactivates enzymes (proteins)
15
Q
Alter human tissue, renders the food source for saprophytic bacteria unusable.
A
- Kills microorganisms
16
Q
- Alters amines that form from the hydrolysis, deamination, and decarboxylation of proteins during decay.
- The react with the nitrogens in the amines and neutralize them.
- Stop the decay of proteins which stops production of the amines.
A
- Destroys odors and eliminates further production.
17
Q
Reacts with proteins to cause coagulation. Increases viscosity, the tissue becomes firmer, and the resistance to enzymes is increased, water soluibility and sensitivity to hydrolysis is decreased.
A
Formaldehyde
18
Q
True or false-
Formaldehyde reacts with individual amino acids.
A
True - Formaldehyde can cross link proteins via the amino acids (the nitrogens).
19
Q
Dehydration synthesis- Insertion of methalene group and removal of water in amino acids.
A
How formaldehyde cross links proteins.
20
Q
- Colorless gas with irritating odor
- Soluble in water (how formalin is made)
- Combines with water to yield methylene glycol
- Polymerizes (paraformaldehyde)
- pH affects it
- basic :salt and methanol
- acidic: polymerizes
- It is neutralized by ammonia
- Cross links proteins
A
Properties of formaldehyde
21
Q
Results in rigidity or firmness of tissue.
A
Cross-linking
22
Q
Too much water in a system can prevent the proper cross-linking. This is due to the fact that it basically reverses the dehydration synthesis reaction that cross-links (adds the methylene bridges) between amino acids, causing them to break apart rather than come together.
A
Hydrolysis
23
Q
The total amount of formaldehyde with which protein will combine to be completely preserved.
A
Formaldehyde demand
24
Q
- Progression of decomposition
- Amount of amino acids
- Advanced decomposition
- Presence of urea
A
Factors that affect formaldehyde demand
25
More nitrogens are exposed and the formaldehyde demand increases.
Progression of decomposition
26
This means that there are more sites for formaldehyde to form a union with nitrogens.
More amino acids
27
These cases have a higher formaldehyde demand and a more concentrated arterial solution is required.
Advanced decomposition
28
The average body is 150lbs (65.4Kg) and contains about 10.7Kg or protein.
100g of solution requires 4.4g of formaldehyde preservation.
- How much formaldehyde do you need?
- Standard 30 index solution contains 30% formaldehyde
- 1oz = 29.8mL
- 16oz X 29.6mL = 473.6mL of 30 index
- 473.6mL X 0.3 = 142.08g of formaldehyde
470. 80g of formaldehyde / 142.08g of formaldehyde =
3. 31 bottles needed
29
If the concentration of formaldehyde is too high, it can seal the capillaries and prevent effective diffusion. Prevents good preservation and can cause the deeper musculature and tissue to go unfixed.
Walling off
30
- Causes rapid coagulation of blood - it must be thoroughly removed.
- Dehydrates tissues
- Constricts capillaries (issue when you want to inject other fluids after the arterial fluid)
- If pushed through too quickly, not enough formaldehyde will be present to effectively fix tissue (soft spots can form and decompose around fixed tissues).
Issues to consider when using formaldehyde
31
- Paraformaldehyde
- Trioxane
- Acetylaldehyde, pyruvic aldehyde
- Formaldehyde donors
Other aldehydes that can be used in addition to formaldehyde
32
A polymer of formaldehyde. Solid and can be used in hardening compounds, powered preparations etc.
Paraformaldehyde
33
A polymer of formaldehyde. Used in accessory fluids sometimes, but is very expensive and not as cost effective or arterial fluid.
Trioxane
34
In use in some more modern preparations of arterial fluids.
Other aldehydes: acetylaldehyde, pyruvic aldehyde
35
Liberate formaldehyde at slow rate (slow-release) low odor or "fumeless".
- Slow and expensive, but more pleasant to the live people in the room.
Formaldehyde donors
36
Have two aldehyde groups (C=OH).
Dialdehydes
37
- Glyoxal
| - Gluteraldehyde
Dialdehydes used in embalming
38
Yellowish in color- only used in cavity fluid.
Glyoxal
39
Cross links like formaldehyde, but it's much larger and can't penetrate tissue as well.
- Unlike formaldehyde, it is not restricted by pH
- Cold sterilant- much more effective at killing endospores than formaldehyde.
Gluteraldehyde
40
An alcohol that can be used as a preservative.
- excellent preservative and disinfectant
- penetrates into tissues, also bleaches
- stabilizes formaldehyde
- Can act as a vehicle for other compounds
- dehydrates
Methyl alcohol (methanol)
41
Boost the disinfectant qualities of preservatives, ingredients that function as preservatives also function as these.
- QAC
- Gluteraldehyde
- Phenol
2. Disinfectants
42
- Good disinfectant
- Rapidly absorbed into the skin
- Can assist formaldehyde
- Does not produce firmness
- Bleaching agents
- OK- in cavity fluid, or to lighten discoloration on skin.
Phenol
43
- Germicidal (disinfecting) qualities
- Inhibit microorganisms as the method of preservation
- Primarily found in cavity fluids since it is not compatible with many dyes and wetting agents in arterial fluids.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
44
This is a dialdehyde.
Gluteraldehyde
45
This is a prototypical aromatic hydroxide.
- It has more acid characteristics than alcohol characteristics.
- The pH is about 6.
Phenol
46
These are salts of amines, all 4 hydrogens associated with ammonium are replaced with an alkyl group or an aromatic ring.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
47
Main purpose is to control the main preservative ingredient (usually formaldehyde).
- Control and slow the fixing of tissues with formaldehyde to permit diffusion through capillaries.
- Slow hardening to allow coloring agents to distribute evenly.
3. Modifying agents
48
1. Buffers
2. Humectants
3. Inorganic salts
Types of modifying agents
49
The body contains varying levels of acids and bases after death.
- Normal pH is slightly basic (in life)
- Immediately after death, pH is slightly acidic due to the breakdown of carbohydrates.
- Compartments of the body differ in pH so the injected fluids must be buffered.
- pH that is very basic will make formaldehyde decompose into a salt and methanol
- pH that is very acidic will polymerize formaldehyde into paraformaldehyde.
Importance of maintaining a stable pH in embalming
50
Considered modifying agents because they prevent wild fluctuations in pH when using formaldehyde. (They keep the formaldehyde from decomposing or polymerizing, helps maintain an even preservation).
Buffers
51
- Borax (sodium borate)
| - Carbonates (sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate)
Types of alkaline buffers
52
Helps formalin stay around the pH of 7.
- Stabilizes the formalin solutions increasing shelf life
- Reduces the graying effect of formaldehyde
- Can help keep formaldehyde stable for 2 years.
Borax (sodium borate)
53
Added with borate, it also helps keep the pH at around 7.
| - not as effective as borates in extending the shelf life of formalin solutions.
Carbonates (sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate)
54
Help retain moistures (most preservatives dehydrate)
- make tissue more pliable and rubbery
- also called "plasticizing agent" because of the pliability.
Humectants
55
- Glycerin
- Sorbitol
- Glycol
- Emulsified oils
- Gums
Types of humectants
56
Trihydroxyl Alcohol: good lubricator, solvent, hygroscopic, and if it stays in tissues it prevents over-drying.
Glycerin
57
Polyhydroxyl Alcohol: lose water more slowly than glycerine and controls moisture loss better.
- more commonly used than glycerin, but at low temperatures, drop out of the solution.
Sorbitol
58
Dihydroxyl Alcohol: Has similar characteristics to sorbitol
- ethylene glycol
- propylene glycol
Glycol
59
Moisture retaining and softening material.
Ethylene glycol
60
Better than glycerin at inhibiting mold.
Propylene glycol
61
Lanolin, and other oils are held in emulsions to help stabilize them and to help them remain uniform over a long period.
Emulsified oils
62
When added to water, well and retain moisture. Large size keeps them in the capillary bed where they can restore moisture to the area. (This is good if the viewing is delayed).
- vegetable - cellulose (karaya, tragacanth)
- Synthetic: cellulose like, man made.
Gums
63
React with ionized calcium preventing blood from clotting.-
- Work 2 ways:
1. Softens water
2. Works directly in the blood
4. Anticoagulants
64
Either combine with Ca= or tie it up to prevent clotting.
Action of anticoagulants
65
Inhibits soap from killing bacteria.
| - The water contains Ca, Mg, or Fe
Hard water
66
Can be purified by boiling (precipitates insoluble salts) and filtering.
- Water contains Ca(HCO3)2 or Mg(HCO3
)2
Temporary hard water
67
Can not be purified by boiling, must be a chemical reaction.
- Water contains CaCl2, CaSO4, MgCl2, MgSO4
Permanent hard water
68
Contains soluble Na+ or K+ salts.
Soft water
69
Water softeners or anti-coagulants.
| - Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium phosphate)
Softening hard water for arterial fluids
70
- Citrates
- Oxalates
- EDTA
Types of anticoagulants
71
Sodium and potassium citrate
- Conditions water and sequesters Ca in blood
- Result from the neutralization of citric acid
- They can act to crosslink Ca+2 in the blood.
- Resulting compound is calcium citrate complex
- water soluble, but not free to interact with blood clotting proteins.
Citrates
72
Can enhance coagulation when the body is infected with bacterial infections such as S auerus. May cause rapid coagulation.
When not to use citrates
73
Act as a Ca precipitant in blood.
- Formed from the reaction of dicarboxylic acid and an organic base.
- Not used much because of their toxicity.
Oxalates
74
Ca chelator. Works directly in the blood and removes the hardness of water.
- Very alkaline, added to the embalming solution at the time of use.
- If added to the embalming fluid, it would cause the formaldehyde to decompose.
EDTA
75
Used to break the surface tension.
- Surface tension is caused by hydrogen bonding in water molecules.
- Surface tension prevents some liquids from penetrating into a cell
- Used as "wetting agents" to reduce surface tension and allow embalming chemicals to pass through capillary walls and distribute into tissue.
5. Surfactants
76
- Sulfonates
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Tweens (20 is the most common)
- Detergents
Common surfactants
77
- Provide restoration
| - Adjust tissue color
6. Dyes
78
Color the tissue
Active dyes
79
Color the fluid in the bottle (no effect on tissues).
Inactive dyes
80
- Cudbear
- Carmine
- Cochineal
Natural Dyes
81
- Eosin
- Erythrosine
- Ponceau
- Amaranth
- Croceine scarlet, rhodamine, rose bengal, acid fuscin, toluidine red
Synthetic dyes
82
- From lichens
| - purplish-red color
Cudbear
83
- From cochineal
| - Bright red color
Carmine
84
- From insects
| - Pink/red color
Cochineal
85
- Red crystalline color
Eosin
86
Brown powder that form cherry red solutions in water.
Erythrosine
87
Dark red powder that forms cherry red solutions in water and acidic solutions.
Ponceau
88
Coal-tar derivative that forms dark red- brown color in water. Is the darkest synthetic dye.
Amaranth
89
Perfumes or masking agents. Cover up the harsh smell from the preservatives and the disinfectants.
- No attempts are made to completely mask formaldehyde because it typically results in neutralization of the preservative (not a deoderant).
7. Perfuming agents
90
- Synthetic compounds
| - Essential oils
Examples of perfuming agents
91
Release odors resembling spices, fruit, mink, and other "notes".
Synthetic compounds
92
Are concentrated from plant sources and are hydrophobic oils that release the volatile scents.
- methyl salicylate, oil of sassafras, safrole, oil of cloves, benzaldehyde (almond). etc.
Essential oils
93
Deodorants change the smell chemically, perfuming or masking agents just cover up the smell without changing the chemical composition.
Difference between masking agents and deodorants
94
The solvent that the arterial fluid is dissolved into.
- must not react with formaldehyde or the preservative of choice.
- Must not react with tissue of the cirulatory system.
8. Vehicles
95
- Water
- Methanol
- Glycerine
- To help maintain proper density and osmotic artery activity, arterial fluid may also contain sorbitol, glycol, and other alcohols.
Most popular vehicles
96
Mixtures of 8 chemical types in various concentrations. The fluids specifically designed for preservation of human remains.
Embalming fluid
97
Using vehicles to lower the concentration of embalming fluids.
Dilution
98
Separation of compounds into simpler substances by the action of aerobic microbial and/or autolytic enzymes.
Decomposition
99
Breaking apart of cells.
Autolytic
100
Breaking apart of intestinal enzymes.
Protolytic
101
Decomposition of organic matter, anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul smelling (amines) incompletely oxidized products.
Putrefaction
102
Concentrated fluid that must be diluted with water before injection into the arterial system.
Arterial fluid
103
In-use diluted embalming fluid with other additive chemicals.
Arterial solution
104
Concentrated embalming fluid injected into the cavities following aspiration.
- Higher formaldehyde demand
Cavity fluid
105
Fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection.
Supplemental fluid
106
Chemicals used in addition to vascular and cavity embalming fluids, most are applied to the body surface.
Accessory fluid
107
Bed sores.
Dicubitis
108
When the eye pops out of the socket.
Ennucleation
109
Two or more elements chemically combined in a definite proportion by weight.
Compound
110
Physical combination of two or more substances.
- Any proportion
- Substances in these retain individual properties.
Mixtures
111
Embalming fluids are considered :
Mixtures
112
Embalming chemicals are considered:
Compounds
113
- Buffers
- Grade of formalin
- Types of alcohol
- Surfactants
- Anticoagulants
- Modifiers
- Physical features
- Specific gravity
- Surface tension
Things that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer for a commercial 20 index fluid.
114
- Index
| - Amount in the bottle
Things that are always the same from manufacturer to manufacturer for commercial 20 index fluid.
115
When comparing arterial fluid to arterial solution, which one is diluted and contains other additive chemicals?
Arterial solution
116
- Arterial fluids
- Embalming fluids
- Preservative fluids
Other names for Vascular fluids
117
- Vascular fluids
- Cavity fluids
- Supplemental fluids
- Accessory fluids
Types of embalming fluids
118
- Preservative arterial fluid
| - Cavity fluid
Minimum requirements for embalming
119
28-36 index (anything higher than this would be supersaturated).
- Good for cases with high formaldehyde demand (decomp, high amount of amino groups).
Strong Index
120
19-27 index
- Good for most cases (ideal case)
Medium index
121
10-18 index
- Good for most cases (ideal case)
- Good for more fragile cases
Weak index
122
Contains little or no active dye.
- Good for cases that don't need a lot of coloration
- Good for when the embalmer wants to use their own dyes.
Non-cosmetic color
123
Contains active dye
- Good for restoration of color
- Can cover unsavory colors from formaldehyde
Cosmetic color
124
- Firms quickly
| - Good for time management
Fast acting firming speed
125
- Firms slowly
| - Good for careful positioning of the body
Slow firming firming speed
126
Very little firming of the body
- Good for short-term cases
- More flexible body
Soft Degree of Firmness
127
Medium firming
| - Ideal cases
Mild Degree of Firmness
128
Definite and hard firming
- Good for a delayed visitation/service
- Keeps position of the body
Hard Degree of Firmness
129
For adding moisture
| - Good for a dehydrated body
Humectant - moisturizing qualities
130
Does not add moisture
| - Good for cases with edema
Non-humectant
131
Cover or remove discoloration from jaundice.
| - usually bleaching fluids
Jaundice fluid - special purpose fluids
132
Index is greater than 30 (usually supersaturated)
- Extreme edema
- Renal failure
- Extensive decomposition/putrefaction
High- Index special purpose fluids
133
Arrests and controls microbes that cause tissue gas.
- Clostridium perfringens (creates endospores)
Tissue gas fluids - special purpose fluids
134
Very mild, usually lower concentration than mild.
- delicate infant tissues
Fluids for infants and children
135
- Strong
- Medium
- Weak
Index types
136
- Non-cosmetic
| - Cosmetic
Color types
137
- Fast-acting
| - Slow firming
Firming speed types
138
- Humectant
| - Non-humectant
Moisturizing qualities
139
- Jaundice fluid
- High-index fluid
- Tissue gas fluids
- Fluids for infants and children
Special purpose fluids
140
Directly injected into the body cavities
- Thoracic
- Abdominal
- Pelvic cavity
- Humectants, dyes, anticoagulants not necessary
- Generally a higher formaldehyde content, usually higher surfactant content.
Cavity fluids
141
- Preserve, disinfect, deodorize
- Preserve viscera removed upon autopsy
- Can bleach blood discoloration
- Helps tissues not reached by vascular injection
- Surface preserve fetal remains
Uses for cavity fluids
142
- Pre-injection fluid
- Co-injection fluid
- Internal bleach and stain removers
- Tissue gas co-injection fluids
- Edema corrective fluids
- Germicide boosters
- Humectants
- Water conditioning fluids
- Dyes
Supplemental fluids
143
Injected before the preservative fluid.
- Used to prepare tissues and remove additional blood.
Pre-injection fluid
144
Added to preservative to boost one or more of the arterial fluid chemicals.
- Usually modifying agent to help control the preservative.
Co-injection fluid
145
Bleach blood from postmortem stain, liver spots, etc.
Internal bleach and stain removers
146
Germicidal and disinfectant for the causative agent of tissue gas. Also good against other endospore forming bacteria.
Tissue gas co-injection fluids
147
Dehydrate and dry the body.
| - Hypertonic to remove edema.
Edema corrective fluids
148
Increase germicidal effects of arterial fluids.
- Good for a delayed service
- Good for bodies with infections
Germicide boosters
149
Maintain tissue moisture.
- Good for dehydrated bodies
- Good to control drying effect for formaldehyde
Humectants
150
Help overcome adverse chemicals in the water.
| - Removes hard water
Water conditioning fluids
151
- Active dye
- Comes in pink, red, suntan
- Good for coloration of the body
Dyes
152
- Autopsy gels
- Cautery chemicals
- Tissue builders
- Hardening compounds
- Preservative powders
- Mold preventative agents
- Sealing agents
Accessory chemicals
153
Penetrate and preserve, are viscous
- Topically applied
- Poured over viscera after autopsy
- Applied to orbital socket after ennucleation
- Disinfectant and deoderant
- Surface preservative in cases of decubitis, gangrene, and necrosis
- Bleach discolored areas
- Preserves, cauterizes, and deodorizes burnt areas.
Autopsy Gels
154
To seal off.
Cauterize
155
- Primarily made of phenol
- Muse use eye protection (the embalmer)
- Applied to areas where the skin has been removed (burns, abrasions, skin slip)
Cautery Chemicals
156
- Used after arterial embalming
- Restores natural contours in sunken areas of face or hands
- Do not overfill, it is difficult to remove
Tissue builders
157
- Dry moist tissue by dehydration
- May contain disinfectants, preservatives and deodorants
- Can be used in cavity of autopsied bodies
- Dicubitis (bed sores)
- Edema
- Paraformaldehyde, plaster of paris, aluminum chloride, clay, wood powder (saw dust)
Hardening compounds
158
- Paraformaldehyde
- Preserve and disinfect
- Do not absorb or dry like hardening compounds
Preservative powder
159
- Topically applied (spray and painted)
| - Prevents mold
Mold preventive agents
160
Prevent leakage from sutured incision
| - Usually super glue
Sealing agents
