Following are the tested pre-injection approaches to initial body preparation which are applicable to traditional embalming and multi-purpose methodology. The value of pre-injection has been an issue since its introduction in 1926. There are those who do not practice or consider the value of such initial treatments.
Death has not changed since the beginning of time. The life line of life expectancy brought about by advances in medical and biochemistry technology has changed. We have altered the natural biochemical makeup of the body to a point where temporary preservation, in some cases, is a difficult challenge.
Pre-injection is flushing the vascular network to a point where it disrupts the natural degradation process thus allowing for the extension of time before natural physical changes occur. This is the key to presentation of the body for the visitation period.
During pre-analysis of the body, we look for physical changes in the tissue. In most cases we do not know the cause, so we, from our experience, must determine our approach. If it is a blood or bile discoloration, we may use intermittent injection and drainage. For the first injections of the pre-injection fluid, I would use one to three gallons with the first and last injections against closed drainage to build up vascular pressure.
At this point, inject in the manner with which you, as the practitioner, are most comfortable, beginning with a 1% dilution using between 4 and 6 psi with a rate of flow of 12.8 ounces per minute. Total amount of injection should be based on body weight and overall appearance.
The second approach may be the use of multi-purpose alternative non-formaldehyde base fluid. As a practitioner you have two choices. The first is to refrigerate the body for several days prior to injection. The second would be to follow the initial process of pre-injection, with or without drainage, then to refrigerate the body for several days. The time based on body condition, geographical area and cultural needs.
Following the initial treatment, all injections should be based on 16 ounces of concentrated multi-purpose fluid for every 50 pounds of body weight. For example, a body weighing 150 pounds should be injected and saturated with a minimum of three 16 ounce bottles of fluid against closed drainage. Retention should not be limited to any specific dilution of concentrate but determined by overall appearance of the body following each injection.
When using a multi-purpose fluid, the practitioner should be able to use compatible special purpose fluids for the treatment of edema and dehydration without adverse effects based on existing variable factors associated with the cause of death.