ET-15 will deal with biochemical composition, preservation and further embalming formulations as indicated in previous article ET-14.

Biochemical composition of the human body

  The average body we will consider to weigh 150 pounds or 12,700 grams of protein. Hypothetically it would take 2.5 bottles of a 30 index fluid (40 ounces) to preserve/combine with the 12,700 grams of protein. In practicality, it would be impossible for a body to retain the entire amount of chemical that has been injected into it. Common practice over the years has been to inject one bottle of an arterial chemical per gallon with continuous injection and drainage. Little consideration is given to the strength (Index) of the fluid.

  As professional individuals, we must understand that the use of quality and properly formulated chemistry is our best insurance against embalming failure. A common sense approach to the art and science of embalming is a must for the future.

Major concerns for preservation failure:

1.      Lackadaisical attitudes and approach to the process of embalming with too little time devoted to actual art and science of embalming.

2.      No preparation of the vascular system prior to preservation treatment.

3.      Too strong of a formulated embalming solution.

4.      Too weak of a formulated embalming solution.

5.      Basing preservation on tissue rigidity or firmness.

6.      Excessive injection speed (rate of flow).

7.      Excessive pressure injection.

8.      Excessive drainage.

9.      Lack of drainage.

10.  Inadequate or lack of treatment of viscera.

11.  Lack of topical preservation treatment.

12.  Lack of internal packs or hypodermic treatment.

13.  Re-aspirate and re-inject prior to viewing or shipping.

14.  Irresponsible use of plastics instead of specialized treatments.

15.  Lack of cognitive training and direct supervision.

  The following represents a minimum amount of preservative chemical (HCHO) if totally retained in the tissue protein based on a 30% formulation:

•         470.8 grams of a 30% HCOC solution will combine with 100 pounds of protein.

•         706.2 grams of a 30% solution will combine with 150 pounds of protein.

•         Supplementary preservatives will combine with fats, carbohydrates and etc. if present.

PROTEIN WEIGHT         PROTEINS IN GRAMS     OUNCES HCHO

25                                      1,950               8

50                                      3,900               16

100                                    7,800               24

150 (Average Body Weight) 10,700             40

200                                    15,600             56

250                                    19,500             72

300                                    23,400             80

  Formulated HCHO in 16 ounce bottles according to INDEX (Guide Number)

Cavity Chemistry:

  General components of cavity fluids are vehicle/solvents, formaldehyde, formaldehyde potential compounds, phenol, tanning agents, penetrants, inactive dyes, perfumes (odor suppressers) ethylene glycol, methanol, X-factor (enhancer).

Supplemental Chemicals

  Co-injection fluid is an arterial fluid modifier (a primary fluid that may be used as an arterial booster with preservative fluid); Humectants which are moisture retaining hygroscopic agents; Water conditioners which control water PH and blood coagulation and Sofners which are necessary to control water variables essential when using arterial chemicals in the preservation process. Foreign particles found suspended in the water will create blockages in the capillary network. Visually the water appears cloudy (turbidity). Hardness is expressed in terms of calcium carbonate parts of hardness per million parts of water (ppm).

Sofner Recommendations

Hardness PPM  Minimum Control

0 to 68       2 oz. per gallon of arterial Sofner (minimum)

69 to 153   3 oz. per gallon of arterial Sofner (soft)

154 to 221 4 oz. per gallon of arterial Sofner (medium)

222 to 304 5 oz. per gallon of arterial Sofner (hard)

305 to 374 6 oz. per gallon of arterial Sofner (very hard)

375 to 442 7 oz. per gallon of arterial Sofner (extremely hard)

443 to 527 8 oz. per gallon of arterial Sofnet (use a hammer)

  Cosmetic dyes and stains are used to create internal natural coloring and added to the arterial fluid. They are Fluid color – Pink; Cosmetic Dye – Flesh, Suntan; Re-viva-tone Cosmetique –Blush, Creole and Suntan.

  Special purpose fluids include Jaundice Fluid, Extra Firming Fluid, Dual purpose (Edema Dehydrator, Arterial and Cavity), Accessory Embalming Agents (Hardening compounds-Granular and pulverized with fillers), Embalming powder –only active preservative ingredients, Deodorizer, Fungicide, Surface Preservation Applications (powders, creams, gels and sprays), Bleaching Agents and Sealing Compounds

  Next month’s article, ET-16 will cover Injection Apparatus and Methodology.