Embalming

Definition

Embalming is the process of chemically treating the dead human body to reduce the presence and growth of the microorganisms, to retard organic decomposition and to restore acceptable physical appearance

History of Embalming

Old world culture that had developed embalming to the greatest extent was that of ancient Egypt probably before 4000 BC and was used by them for morethan 30 centuries.
It was Egyptians who developed the process of Mummification

Embalming process usually involves four parts

1. Arterial embalming:

It involves the injection of embalming chemicals into the blood vessels usually via the right common carotid artery.
Blood is drained from the right jugular vein.
The embalming solution is injected using an embalming machine and the embalmer massages the cadaver to ensure a proper distribution of the embalming fluid.
In case of poor circulation other injection points are used.

2. Cavity embalming

It is the suction of the internal fluids of the cadaver and the injecting embalming chemicals into body cavities by using an aspirator and trocar.

3. Hypodermic embalming:

4. Surface embalming:

Embalming Chemicals

Different types of the chemicals are the components of embalming fluid. These are:

1. Preservatives:

These are the chemicals which inactivate saprophytic bacteria rendering it unsuitable media upon which such bacteria thrive.
This arrests decomposition by altering enzymes and lysins of the body.
These are a mixture of formaldehyde,glutaraldehyde and phenol.
Formalin refers specifically to 37% aqueous formaldehyde.

2.Germicides (disinfectants):

Chemicals used to kill microorganisms e.g. quaternary ammonium compounds (Roccal, Zephiran Chloride) and glutaraldehyde.

3. Modifying agents:

These include buffers, humectants and inorganic salts.
These agents influence the chemical reactions produced by preservative solution and function in embalming fluids to control the action of main preservative agents.

4. Buffers:

They help to maintain acid base balance (pH) e.g. Borax, Sodium phosphate, Citrates and Sodium salt of EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid)

5.Inorganic salts:

They play an important role in determining the osmotic qualities of embalming solution.

6. Humectants:

They are used to hydrate the tissues e.g. Glycerol (Glycerine), Sorbitol, Glycol (Ethylene and Propylene glycol) and Lanolin.

7. Anticoagulants:

They retard the natural postmortem tendency of blood to become balming fluids e.g. water, alcohols (methyl alcohol, glycerol).
These chemicals are combined in variousconcentration to produce:

Medicolegal Considerations

Embalming alters the appearance of the body,tissues and organs making it difficult to interpret any injury or disease, detection of certain poisons(especially alkaloids and organic poisons) is rendered difficult.
Hence, removal of specimens from such bodies should be completed before embalming.
Embalming incisions may be mistaken for non existent antemortem stab wounds.
Skin bruises may be markedly accentuated due to increased transparency of the overlying skin resulting from perfusion with fixative.
In a medicolegal case, conducing embalming before autopsy invites liability under section 201 IPC (causing disappearanceof evidence of offence or giving false information to screen offender).
Any disrespect of the corpse invites applicability of section 297 IPC.
The Anatomy Act provides for the collection of a dead body for teaching purpose only if death occurs in a State hospital or in a Public Place within prescribed zone of a medical institution provided the police has declared (after a lapse of 48 hours) that there are no claimants for the body and it could be used for medical purpose.

The usual constituents of embalming fluids are:

Emblamings may be arterial emblaming and cavity emblaming.
In a medicolegal case, conducing embalming before autopsy invites liability under section 201 IPC

Don’t Forget to Solve all the previous Year Question asked on Embalming
Click Here to Start Quiz

Welcome! Please Log In