Test 3- Chemistry Flashcards
Act on proteins to firm tissues and MOST kill bacteria and saprophytic spores. It is also used to turn the tissues that bacteria use as a food source into a non food source. (Turns Soluble Albumins into Insoluble Albuminoids).
Preservatives
Destroy most bacteria but not saprophytic spores. They also turn soluble albumins into insoluble albuminoids.
Germicides
Water conditioning agents and these are very similar. They enhance blood drainage and also treat minerals (hard water).
Anticoagulants
- Lubricating the vascular system to prevent blood clots.
- Attempt to break up blood clots.
- Treat minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
3 Ways Anticoagulants and Water Conditioners Help With Drainage
Also known as:
- Diluters
- Carriers
- Vectors
Vehicles
Thin the viscosity of fluid to get better penetration and in turn better preservation.
Surfactants (Wetting Agents)
Used to make a life like appearance, or cover discoloration or impart color to the fluids themselves.
Dyes
Hide HCHO fumes, Historically called reodorants because they do not destory the odor. They simply hide/mask it.
Deodorants
Add moisture to the tissues and help to retain moisture.
Humectants
Control the pH of formaldehyde and other chemicals.
Buffers
- Always wear safety goggles
- Wear PPE’s
- Gloves
- Deceased’s face covered while being moved
- Have proper hazard protection available
- Address any spills
- Never use HCHO based chemicals as an antiseptic.
- Maintain current MSDS sheets on all chemicals.
- Flush all chemical bottles and be sure to place the cap tightly back on the empty bottle.
- Always keep embalming machine and chemicals covered.
- Bleach and HCHO + a catalyst
- Add chemicals to the tank only after water is added.
- Keep viscera pale covered when in use.
- Keep lid to biohazardous waste covered.
Work Safe Practices
Gas ported, 2% HCHO solutions and phenol based chemicals.
Always Wear Safety Goggles
That are appropriate for the circumstances.
Wear PPE’s
OSHA requires that these be used whenever you come into contact with the dead human body. That includes, initial removal (transfer), embalming preparation, dressing, cosmetics and casketing.
Gloves
This is to prevent particulate matter from coming into contact with the embalmer or anyone else in the area.
OSHA requires that the face of the deceased be covered whenever being moved.
Examples are the drench shower, eye wash, fire estinguisher, etc.
Have Proper Hazard Protection Available
Whenever working in the prep-room, always have this on. This includes using simple products that are considered non-toxic (example: drying powder- prolonged exposure to any type of hazard can be harmful.)
Exhaust Ventilation System
Household ammonia should be poured onto HCHO spills and cleaned up with cold water placing contents in an air tight bag. This is because ammonia neutralizes formaldehyde, the bag contains fumes.
Address any Spills of Chemicals no Matter how Small the Amount
HCHO is a disinfectant is is unsuitable for living tissues because it is toxic.
Never use HCHO based chemicals as an antiseptic.
Material Safety and Data Sheets.
Maintain (current) MSDS Sheets on all Chemicals.
Flush all chemical _____ and be sure to place the cap tightly back on the empty _____.
Bottles
Always keep the ____ _____ and unused bottles of chemicals covered.
Embalming Machine
Mixed with a catalyst can cause Bischlorometyl Ether (BCME)- Carcinogen.
Bleach and Formaldehyde
Pour these into the tank only after the water has been added. This prevents backsplash of chemicals (aerosolized chemicals) and is an OSHA regulation.
Embalming Chemicals
Keep ___ ___ covered when in use.
Viscera Pale
Keep the lid to _____ ____ covered.
Biohazardous Waste
Are liquid agents, solutions of solids, liquids, and gases which can be injected into the body arterially or hypodermically or can be applied to the surface as a spray, wash, pack, or gel.
Embalming Fluids
Often are the main chemicals common to all embalming solutions. The remainder of ingredients varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
- Formaldehyde (HCHO, CH2O)
- Methyl Alcohol (Methanol)
The fundamental purpose of embalming fluid.
Vascular Injection
The two distinct categories that embalming fluid or embalming chemicals can be subdivided into.
- Arterial Fluid
- Cavity Fluid
Fluid injected for purposes other than preservation and disinfection. Generally fall into a couple of categories:
- Pre-injection
- Co-injection (humectants and restorative fluids)
Supplemental Fluids
- Preinjection
- Coinjection
- Bleaching Agents
- Astringent Fluids
- Edematous Fluids
- Germicide Enhancers
- Humectants
- Water-Conditioners
- Active Dyes
The 9 Types of Supplemental Fluids
Fluids that can be injected prior to the AFS being injected.
- Examples: Anticoagulants, water conditioners
Pre-Injection
All pre-injection fluid can be used as a ________. It is only a matter of when to use them.
Co-Injection
Not all coinjection fluids can be used as _______ fluids.
Preinjection
Fluids that are injected simultaneously with the arterial fluid.
- Examples: Active dyes, water conditioners, anticoagulants, humectants, edematous fluids, etc.
Co-injection
These fluids can sometimes be used as a co-injection (though that is rare) or by themselves topically or hypodermically.
Bleaching Agents
Used for excessive moisture. They are Hypotonic Solutions. Typically 30+ index.
- Edema
- Excess moisture
- Tissue gas
- Trauma cases
- Advanced decomposition
Astringent Fluids
These are used to draw out the excess moisture when edema/anasarca are a concern. They are hypertonic solutions. (And are the only hypertonic solutions).
Edematous Fluids
Fluids that destroy some bacteria, but not spores. They render the food medium undesirable. Most often, they are used in conjunction with preservatives.
Germicide Enhancers
Add/retain moisture. They are hypotonic solutions.
Humectants
Treat the minerals in the water (especially well-water) and also serve a double purpose as an anti-coagulant.
Water-Conditioners
These are used to impart a stain within the tissues to create a more life-like appearance (memory picture).
Active Dyes
There is no difference chemically between preinjection and ______ . They are sold as the same product- the difference would be in moment of use.
Coinjection
The function of these is to be united with the tissue cells to create a state of preservation. This is accomplished by tissue coagulation (general term).
Arterial Fluid
The solidification of the tissue cell protoplasm (albuminoids). This will cause the tissue cells to be converted into a gel or resinous substance which is unfit for bacterial food. The tissue cells will be soft but solid and resistant to decomposition (Conversion of soluble albumin to insoluble albuminoids).
Tissue Coagulation
To disinfect, preserve, and to firm the tissues of the dead body without causing onjectionable changes in the skin or tissues.
The Purpose of Arterial Fluids
The amount of formaldehyde measured in grams dissolved in 100 milliliters (ml) of water. Refers only to the absolute HCHO gas present and is not a measure of total aldehyde concentration of the total preservative strength of the product.
- Strong
- Medium
- Weak
Index
- Advanted decomposition (COPSA)
- Delayed burial
- Firm tissue for restorative art work
- Excess moisture (edema/anasarca)
- Excessive adipose tissue (adipose contains more moisture).
- Trauma cases where treatment requires drying of tissues for reconstructive work.
- Will often cause dehydration or tissue burning.
- Will cause tissue to darken- HCHO grey
High Index (Strong) 30-36+ Index (Hard Firming)
- Average case
- Normal moisture content
- Usually contains active dyes
- May contain lanolin base- humectant
- Most of the so-called cosmetic arterial fluids in this group.
- Slow firmer, flexible, moderate or rubbery firmness.
- Cause little dehydration or other objectionable changes like tissue burning.
Moderate Index 20-26 (Mild Firming)
- Non-hardening, non-firming, or slightly firming
- Contains minimum amount of HCHO
- Produces a minimum rigidity- often used on the frail, elderly, and infants.
- Emaciated cases/ severely dehydrated
Mild Index (weak: 10-15, usually 15, Soft Firming)
Used in cases of liver failure (signs first appear in the sclera of the eyes).
Jaundice (Icterus) Fluids (Low HCHO index)
Although these fall into the mild category (low index), they are augmented by chemicals such as tanning agents that produce full firmness without causing the tissue to turn green. With some of these, severe dehydration may result.
Jaundice Fluids
Caused by:
- High HCHO index
- Acidic Environment (because of high HCHO)
Bilirubin converting into Biliverdin
The single biggest problem that embalmers encounter. No two embalming cases are the same.
Variation
Depending on the circumstances, this method of emblaming can be used with a more stringent solution going down and a more midler solution with humectants into the head/face.
Restricted Cervical Method
Often the embalmer will utilize a _____ index fluid and vary the concentration of the dilution.
Moderate
- Cosmetic fluids
- Non-cosmetic fluids
Two Classifications of Arterial Fluid by Color
Contain active dyes/afterial fluids that impart a color change on the body tissues of the deceased. Use the femoral for even distribution.
Cosmetic Fluids
Contain inactive dyes that do not impart a color change on the body tissues of the deceased. (Often in preinjection, phenol jelly, and same cavity fluid).
Non-Cosmetic Fluids
In 1859, he published an accurate description of formaldehyde solution, formaldehyde gas, and formaldehyde polymerization. No clue what to do with it.
Alexander Mikhailovich Butlerov (1828-1866) Russian
In 1868, he prepared formaldehyde by passing a mixture of methanol vapors and air over a heated platinum spiral. His preparation clearly established both the structure and identity of formaldehyde as the first member of the aldehyde group. No clue what to do with it!
August Wilhelm Von Hoffman (1818-1892) German
Both of these men are credited with the discovery of formaldehyde, but neither associated its potential use with preservation.
Butlerov and Von Hoffman
Most states between 1895-1920 outlawed these:
- Alum
- Zinc sulfate
- Bichloride of mercury
- Aluminum chloride
- Arsenic
By World War I, all products were switched to formaldehyde.
Metallic Poisons (Salts of Heavy Metals)
- Can cover up murder
- Embalmers killing themselves with poisonous chemicals due to not wearing gloves.
- Embalmers resisted the law, changing from metallic to formaldehyde (made bodies hard, metal poisons are soft and easy to put into place).
Reasons Salts of Heavy Metals were Replaced with Formaldehyde
In 1888 determined that HCHO could be used as a preservative. He observed the antiseptic properties of HCHO gases produced by burning sugar.
J. Auguste Trillat (French)
All are obtained by oxidation of alcohol. It is prepared commercially by passing a mixture of air and vaporized methyl alcohol over hot copper or silver gauze. The hot gauze acts as a catalyst to cause the union of the alcohol with the oxygen contained in the air. The end result is a colorless gas with pungent, penetrating, irritating odor. It is freely soluble in water as formalin, af act which permits its use as arterial fluid and other liquid disinfectants.
Aledhydes
A saturated aqueous solution of formaldehyde which contains 40% HCHO by volume and 37% by weight. This means that 40% of this is HCHO gas and that the remaining 60% is water and other solvents. (7% is methyl alcohol).
Formalin
- Aldehydes
- Alcohols
- Phenols
- Formaldehyde “donor” compounds
4 Major Types of Preservatives Used in Embalming Fluids
- Inactivates the active chemical groups of proteins and amino acids.
- Inhibits further decomposition, both decay and putrefaction.
- Inactives enzymes thus preventing further autolysis (acid hydrolase)
- Either kills microorganisms or deters their growth.
- Destroys odors and eliminates their further production.
Action of Preservative Chemicals on Bodily Tissues
Formaldehyde reacts directly with water, methanol, amino acids and proteins and indirectly with fat.
Preservation by Formaldehyde
When HCHO gas is mixed with water, most of it is converted into methylene glycol. Very little “free” HCHO is present in these solutions. However, this apparently has no effect on the preserving and disinfecting action of the fluids. Protein is fixed or set due to the donation of a methylene group (CH2).
Reaction of Formaldehyde with Water
Methanol acts as an anti-polymerizing agent in embalming fluids. Even the commercial grade of formalin contains approximately 7% methanol for this specific purpose. Methanol bonds the molecules of carbohydrates, sugar and proteins together making them less susceptible to decomposition. Formalin polymerize methanol breaks down; polymer formaldehyde crystals are formed.
Reaction of Formaldehyde with Methanol
Since amino acids are depolymerized units of proteins, HCHO will react with them in a similar manner. However, since they are much smaller units than proteins, the gross appearance of “coagulated” amino acids is substantially different than that of coagulated protein. Thus the term non-coagulability of amino acids found its way into the literature of embalming. HCHO can react with free amines and can combine two different amino groups into a single compound deterring decomposition. If ammonia forms, fluid will have no effect! Household ammonia will neutralize formalin formaldehyde. Sunlight will cause methanol to break down in cavity fluid.
Reaction of Formaldehyde With Amino Acids
The primary chemical actions of HCHO in embalming is the coagulation of protein.
Reaction of Formaldehyde with Proteins
- Viscosity of protein is increased.
- Embalmed tissue is now rigid as a result of the cross-linking action bonding molecules together.
- The resistance to digestion of protein by enzymes is increased (acid hydrolysis).
- The water sensitivity (hydrolysis) and water solubility are decreased.
The Resulting Changes in Protein Brought About by HCHO and Other Coagulating Agents:
Actually involves the preservation of a matrix in which the fat is embedded rather than the preservation of the fat itself. The preservative action of HCHO works by cross-linking nitrogen atoms, fat lacks nitrogen atoms, but fatty tissue is embedded in nitrogen rich and protein rich connective tissue.
Indirect Action of Formaldehyde on Fat
Coagulation of protein is brought about through denaturation of the protein by cross-linking the peptide bonds of adjacent polypetide chains. Unembalmed tissue is pliable and flexible. Embalmed tissue is rigid as a result of cross-linking of protein. The methylene bridges that bond the adjacent polypeptide chains together eliminate the movement that is characteristically present in non cross-linked protein.
Protein Bonding Before and After Embalming
This is due to the fact that formaldehyde is a smaller aldehyde, which gives it more room to crosslink.
HCHO Cross-Links far More Than Gluteraldehyde
Cross-linking of protein removes a molecule of _____ for every cross-link that is formed. The presence of an abundance of water may reverse this process by hydrolyzing the cross-linkages. Therefore, the embalming result may also be reversed by the presence of an excessive amount of water. (Counteracted with higher index and edematous fluids).
Water
The total amount of HCHO with which protein will combine to be completely preserved.
Formaldehyde Demand
After hydrolysis breaks the individual peptide bonds, each amino group will react with a HCHO molecule. This effectively _____ the HCHO demand.
Doubles
As the remains decompose, it becomes necessary to increase both the ____ and ____ of the arterial fluid solution.
Volume and Strength
It is imperative to embalm as soon as possible. The ______ a person is deceased, the more HCHO is demanded to firm/preserve.
Longer
In reality, under normal circumstances, embalming can take place a day(s) and still obtain good results. However, the sooner embalming takes place, the better results the embalmer will obtain.
Embalming does not always have to be done immediately after death.
If the embalming solution is too concentrated, the capillaries in the tissues will be seared and sealed by the HCHO, thus effectively inhibiting diffusion of the fluid into the tissues by walling off the unexposed areas.
Walling Off Action of HCHO
By HCHO is the distribution and diffusion of the fluid.
The Key to the Preservation of Tissue
Refers to the movement of fluid from the point of injection to the tissues.
Distribution
Describes the movement of fluid into the tissues. (From intracellular to extracellular)
Diffusion
Change the basic nature of protein molecules.
Chemicals Used as Preservatives
- Concentration of the aldehyde
- pH of the solution (7.4)- Best mimics blood
- Effect of certain chemical compounds on aldehyde
- Temperature of the solution. (How water catalyst- HCHO head freeze)
- Condition of the tissue as it relates to decomposition changes (Increase in decomposition= decrease in firming).
The Amount of Aldehyde That is Taken up by the Protein Molecule Depends Upon (5):
- Solubility
- Penetrability
- Compatability
- Stability
The Qualities a Germicide Used in Emblaming Display
Must react well in water.
Solubility
Must penetrate tissue cell protoplasm.
Penetrability
Must react and interact with other supplemental chemicals in solution.
Compatability
Must have an acceptable shelf life; must remain stable in solution. Must avoid sunlight.
- Often 2-5 years (do not use if 5 years old)
- Must be stored at 55 degrees F.
- To tell bad fluid- methanol breaks down; polymerize (crystals)
Stability
