Storage, care, disposal and arrangement [of cadavers in the DH]

Question 1

Background: Describe decomposition.

Answer 1

Decomposition is a natural process after death and this occurs when the bacteria and micro organisms and enzymes invade and break down body tissue. This is known as Putrefaction.

Question 2

How is the body prepared to slow down the process of decomposition?

Answer 2

🠶 Bodies are preserved by Embalming.

🠶 After the process of embalming, the body is now called a cadaver.
🠶 Cadavers not being used for dissections immediately are enclosed in
calico cloth and polyurethane plastic.
🠶 It is necessary to check cadavers regularly against fungal infestation

Question 3

Storage of cadavers:

Answer 3

🠶 Cadavers not immediately used are stored in the mortuary room. Furthermore, cadavers which have been dissected are stored in the mortuary, while awaiting to be coffined and sent for cremation

🠶 In the mortuary cadavers are tagged for identification

🠶 The registration number is used to identity cadavers

🠶 Other important details such as date of reception and sex may be included on the tag

Question 4

Rules to be followed when you are at the dissection hall:

Answer 4

🠶 The dissecting hall is a ‘living cemetery’ and a code of behaviour and dress is applicable

🠶 It is fundamentally important to remember that at all times, when working in the dissecting hall with human tissue, one should respect the sanctity of the human body

🠶 Adequate space between cadavers is essential for comfortable and safe dissection.

Question 5

What do the cadaver tables contain

Answer 5

Cadaver tables have
🠶 Bucket underneath which fluid is collected
🠶 Bowl to collect human tissue waste
🠶 Wetting fluid spraying bottle
🠶 Sponge, to clean and soak fluids
🠶 Cadaver registration number tags underneath

Question 6

Dissection hall (rules):

Answer 6

🠶 DH is access controlled, only registered anatomy students are allowed access
🠶 Do not leave dissecting instruments on the cadavers or on the dissecting table
🠶 Do not remove the cadavers identification tag
🠶 Keep the tables clean and wiped dry with sponges provided at the end of each session

Question 7

Dissection hall (rules) continued..

Answer 7

🠶 Scalpel blades must be discarded in the ‘sharps container’
🠶 Gloves, tissue paper and sharps are disposed in medical waste boxes
🠶 Retain skin hinged to cover the dissected parts. This is done to prevent desiccation of dissected parts
🠶 Removed loose skin, fascia, fat and other tissue debris are placed in bowl
during dissection

Question 8

Cadaver care:

Answer 8

🠶 Users wear white lab coat, closed shoes, gloves and masks when working in the DH. Also users need to take Hepatitis B vaccination.

🠶 The cadavers are biologically neutral, hence pose no danger of any infectious diseases.

Question 9

Cadaver care (continued..):

Answer 9

🠶 Cadavers are regularly (2-3 times a week) moistened with ‘wetting fluid’ by anatomy technicians and are sprayed by students with wetting fluid after each dissection session. This is essential for the prevention of fungal infections, molds and desiccation

🠶 Cadavers should remain covered with colico cloth and polyurethane plastic when not used. Only the area of interest under study should be exposed during dissection sessions to ensure dignity of the cadaver

Question 10

Composition of wetting fluid:

Answer 10

🠶 Phenol - 2.5L
🠶 Glycerin - 1L
🠶 Cherry - 1L
🠶 Water - 200L

Question 11

Where are prosection specimens kept?

Answer 11

Prosection specimens are kept in plastic or stainless steel containers with filling fluid

Question 12

Composition of filling fluid:

Answer 12

🠶 Phenol - 2.5L
🠶 Glycerine - 1L
🠶 Water - 200L

Question 13

Disposal of cadavers (steps 1 & 2):

Answer 13

🠶 After completion of all the academic activities. Cadavers need to be cremated

🠶 In preparation for the annual inspection by the anatomy inspector, cadavers that need to be cremated are placed in unsealed coffins. This is done because the inspector of anatomy needs to check and confirm the cadavers prior to coffining. A check and confirmation is made against the body record sheet which contains information relating to registration number, sex, and name

Question 14

Disposal of cadavers (steps 3 & 4):

Answer 14

🠶 The inspector may grant permission for body parts to be retained if the department requests. Body parts that are retained are listed, labelled and stored in containers. The specimen catalogue is also
updated

🠶 During the inspectorate there is also a commemoration ceremony and family members of the donors are invited

Question 15

Disposal of cadavers (steps 5 & 6):

Answer 15

🠶 After inspection the coffins are then sealed and labelled with the registration number and released to the funeral undertakers and are given the body record sheet for burial or cremation

🠶 If it has been requested that the deceased ashes are to be returned to their relatives, following cremation, the relatives are contacted and advised about the date that the ashes will be ready for collection

Question 16

Disposal of cadavers (steps 7 - 9):

Answer 16

🠶 Undertakers assume responsibilities for the bodies and cares for it within the regulations of the code of practice

🠶 After cremation the crematorium produces the cremation number which is updated to the records of the body donor

🠶 Ashes of the donor are either returned to the families or dispersed by the approved undertaker