Executive Offices - Embalming Supply Company

AppliedEmbalming
When non-modified, formalin acts alone on proteins that make up the body, and a condensation or fixation
(synersis) reaction occurs. Hardening results almost immediately, creating a hardening or “walling-off” and a hardened
layer of tissue on surface areas and encapsulated organs. The condensation creates a combined shrinking, fixation and
drying reaction. This makes tissue resistant to distribution and diffusion, and inhibited to the concentrated formalin
solution. High concentrations of formalin are acidic and highly reactive, and tend to produce an unnatural appearance
of the body.
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. One ounce of 100% formaldehyde will combine with approximately 37 pounds of receptive body tissue.
The average 16 ounce bottle of a 36 index fluid contains 6 ounces of 100% Formaldehyde, meaning it could in actuality
interact with 222 pounds of receptive tissue if retained within a body. Under current continuous injection and drainage
methodology, most enters the sewers.
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. Reaspiration and reinjection 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% HCOH solution will combine with 100 pounds of protein.
706.2 grams of a 30% HCHO solution will combine with 150 pounds of protein. Supplementary preservatives will
combine with fats, carbohydrates and etc if present.
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