Test II: Surface Discoloring Agents

Question 1

Antemortem or postmortem discolorations which occur prior to or during embalming due to the deposit of matter on the body surface

Answer 1

Surface discolorations

Question 2

1. Adhesive tape
2. Blood
3. Grease
4. Ink
5. Iodine
6. Mercurochrome
7. Metaphen
8. Mold
9. Oil
10. Paint
11. Tincture of benzene
12. Tobacco Tars
13. Varnish

Answer 2

Surface discoloring agents

Question 3

• Use an abrading device and was with suitable cleaning agents and soft cloths or brushes
• Danger desiccation marks (red/brown)
• soft side of sponge*

Answer 3

Mechanical methods for removing surface discoloring agents

Question 4

• Use proper solvent when discoloration cannot be removed by mechanical cleaning
• Waterless hand cleaner or trichloroethylene called dry wash
• Danger toxic and dehydrating*

Answer 4

Chemical methods for removing surface discoloring agents

Question 5

Importance of pre embalming removal of surface discoloring agents (2 reasons)

Answer 5

• May conceal signs of fluid distribution or diffusion

- Most are more difficult to remove after tissues have firmed

Question 6

• Razor burns
• Desiccation marks
• Formaldehyde grey
• Green discoloration
• Eye enucleation bruises
• Decomposition changes

Answer 6

Examples of postmortem discolorations that may be present before embalming but has become more intense, changed in hue, or may have evolved due to embalming

Question 7

• Caused by the dehydrating effects of the air to damaged epidermis
• Reddish brown discolorations become progressively worse as time passes also desiccation marks

Answer 7

Razor burns

Question 8

• Fluid burns due to excessively strong solutions
• Reddish brown discoloration
• Usually seen on the face and becomes progressively worse as time passes
• Opaque cosmetics required

Answer 8

Desiccation marks

Question 9

• The chemical combination of formaldehyde with hemoglobin results in the formation of a substance called methemoglobin
• With the passage of time the color changes from pink to a dark slate grey

Answer 9

Formaldehyde grey

Question 10

• Counteract this discolorations with complete flushing of the venous system
• Keep head elevated above stomach/chest and active dye to impart a more life like appearance
• Counter act with an active dye (eosin)

Answer 10

Treatment of formaldehyde grey

Question 11

• Results from high formaldehyde index solutions converting bilirubin (yellow) to biliverdin (green) in a jaundiced body
• Also caused by an acidic environment

Answer 11

Green discoloration

Question 12

Primary concern with embalming a jaundice case

Answer 12

Preservation

Question 13

-Result from damage to tissue and capillaries during the enucleation

Answer 13

Eye enucleation bruises

Question 14

-Cavity fluid pack with bleaching cavity fluid followed by application of opaque cosmetics

Answer 14

Treatment of eye enucleation bruises

Question 15

• Postmortem discolorations which are due to the action of bacterial and/or autolytic enzymes on the body tissues
• There may be progressive color changes in the tissues if enzymes are not inhibited
• Yellow to light green to dark green to blue black to marbling

Answer 15

Decomposition changes

Question 16

-Seen in the sclera of the eye due to postmortem dehydration

Answer 16

Tan discoloration

Question 17

-Associated with livor mortis eventually followed by postmortem stain

Answer 17

Red to purple discoloration

Question 18

• Decomposition of the arterial system causing the vasa vasorum to deteriorate changing the artery to maroon
• Looks like muscle tissue making visual of the artery difficult

Answer 18

Maroon discoloration

Question 19

• A spot about the size of a silver dollar will appear over the cecum indicating the activity of E. coli
• In time the discoloration will spread over the entire body if the body is not embalmed properly and in a timely manner

Answer 19

Green discoloration