Cavity Fluids also Supplemental fluids Special purpose fluids

Cavity Fluids primary (main) purpose use for visceral preservation in cavities also for hypodermic injection external packs

Characteristics should be quick acting have low surface tension preserve and disinfect the internal (solid and hollow) organs with a minimum quantity of fluid should be stringent Intended to be used UNDILUTED

Characteristics emphasis on preserving agents because they are directly applied with trocar (cannula) therefore, you do not have the problems associated with arterial distribution.

Composition Preservatives Germicides Vehicles others

Preservatives HCHO most common (& cheap!!!!) aldehydes and dialdehydes alcohols phenols for penetrating qualities (common in more expensive fluids.) inorganic salts combinations

Germicides Remember: preservatives normally act as germicides, too; these components often added esp. for germicidal effect Phenols Quaternary Ammonium compounds Dialdehydes Note multiple purposes

Others Tanning agents (must make contact with tissue to work) Penetrants Perfumes / odor suppressors

Vehicles water alcohols other organic solvents Both primarily to keep other components in solution

Supplemental fluids Pre-injection Co-injection

Primary Injection Fluids (pre-injection) used in advance of a vascular injection of arterial fluids formulation is usually much simpler than arterial fluids

Purpose insure good removal of the blood provide the best distribution of arterial fluids.

Co-injection fluids modify / balance arterial fluid primarily humectants and HCHO control chemicals. Note: it is possible to get more dehydration with 1% HCHO solution than with a 5% solution with a good co-injection.

Co-injection composition - basically the same as pre- injection fluids but maybe in different proportions. It never hurts to use a co-injection and you can get good results avoiding some of the problems of the pre-injection.

Humectants Create an increased capability for embalmed tissues to retain their moisture. (referred to as HYDROSCOPIC i.e. seek water).

Humectants described as having a coating action to wrap around the HCHO & prevent contact with protein until tissues are thoroughly saturated Result? tissues often more flexible / ‘rubbery’

Humectants Especially valuable when body predisposed to dehydration

Humectant examples Alcohols Polyhydroxy / trihydroxy / dihydroxy Oils Gums

Alcohols Polyhydroxy alcohols C 6 H 8 (OH) 6 Sorbitol Mannitol Dulcitol Sorbitol loses its water at slower rate, so is more effective than many others

more alcohol examples Trihydroxy alcohols Glycerol or Glycerine C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 helps prevent overdrying of tissue enhances germicidal power of other chemicals is a humectant and solvent

more alcohol examples Dihydroxy alcohols (i.e. Glycols) propylene glycol (is also a mold inhibitor) ethylene glycol (antifreeze)

Oils Lanolin aka "wool grease" or "lambs feet" Oleates = natural unsaturated fatty acids Mineral oils = refined petroleum oil (i.e. laxatives) - not water soluble, but can be readily dispersed in proper concentrations -help mitigate drying effect of preservatives

Gums add after initial injection when surface discolorations are cleared will aid in retaining moisture and fill out emaciated looking tissue Names? Karaya & Tragacanth

Buffers Chemicals which effect a stabilization of the acid-base balance within embalming solutions and in embalmed tissues; they control pH

Why buffers? highly acidic conditions speed the polymerization of HCHO strong basic solutions cause the decomp of HCHO (decomp of HCHO is called Cannizzaro reaction) Buffers help to modify / control

More reasons for buffers slightly acidic conditions result in more fixation & more putty gray color of tissue slightly alkaline conditions result in better tissue color & enhanced action of dyes

BUFFERS resist changes in pH most arterials are buffered to

Examples Borax Sodium phosphates Citrates EDTA

Borax Sodium Tetraborate Na 2 (B 4 O 4 ) the most efficient stabilizer of HCHO keeps it stable for 2+ years

Special Purpose Fluids Jaundice Edema High Index / extra firming Tissue Gas remember Methanal = HCHO Go to special purpose products