Glossary of Compounds Flashcards
Mixture of alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium chlorides. It and several very similar mixtures are used in the embalming laboratory, in solutions for sterilization of instrument (cold sterilization)
Benzalknoium chloride
A very mild antiseptic added to embalming fluid. It helps regulate the acid-base balance (a buffer pair)
Boric Acid
A red dye from the action of bromine in fluorescein. It is very commonly used in arterial fluids (active dye; synthetic)
Eosin
A solvent and disinfectant in embalming fluid. It is noted for its ability to dehydrate tissues (alcohol)
Ethanol
A preservative found in embalming fluid It is a disinfectant Reacts with proteins, causing them to become firm and more resistant to bacteria. Inhibits autolytic enzyme Gas at room temperature
Formaldehyde
40% HCHO solution by volume and 37% HCHO by weight with 7% methyl alcohol
Formalin
A preservative found in embalming fluid
Contains two aldehyde groups on every molecule
Dialdehyde
Combines with proteins in such a way as to make them very resistant to attack by bacteria
Inhibits the enzymes which cause autolysis (acid hydrolase)
Used in several arterial and cavity fluids
Liquid at room temperature
Gluteraldehyde
A modifying agent
A thick liquid that is often added to embalming fluids
Its purpose is to increase the solubility of various compounds, to delay the firming action of formaldehyde, and to serve as a humectant
Glycerol
An inorganic salt added to embalming fluid to help preserve the acid base balace, to keep blood from clotting and in some instances, for hypertonic effect
Epsom Salts
Never put directly in the machine; pre-dissolve first
Used as an anticoagulant
Magnesium Sulfate
All embalming fluids will contain some methanol since it is so closely associated with the manufacture of formalin
Some fluids contain extra because it stabilizes formalin and because it is both a solvent and a germicide
Used to prevent formalin from forming paraformaldehyde
Methanol
Methyl Alcohol
Wood Alcohol
Is a polymer of formaldehyde and exists as a solid. It is almost pure formaldehyde.
Insoluble
Cannot be used in the embalming fluids
Most commonly used in the powered preservative compositions such as hardening compounds and embalming powders
Paraformaldehyde
Is an aromatic alcohol and is an excellent disinfectant
Penetrates tissues very well and bleaches tissue where required such as surface discolorations
Phenol
A calcium sulfate often found in hardening compounds as a filler that promotes hardening and absorbs moisture
Plaster of Paris
The nitrate ions are converted by bacteria to nitrite ions which react with hemoglobin to form nitroso-hemoglobin giving the skin a reddish color
Potassium Nitrate
Sodium Nitrate
Used to maintain the acid base balance
Carbohydrates reduce graying action of formaldehyde action (Buffer Pair)
Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Chloride
