Decomposition-Arterial flud- Test 3 Material Flashcards
(95 cards)
- Autolysis
- Hydrolysis
- Putrefaction
- Decay
- Deamination
- Decarboxylation
- Origins of tissue gas
Chemistry of Decomposition
The self destruction or self-digestion of the body tissues by substances produced within those tissues; the decomposition of all tissues by enzymes of their own formation without microbial assistance. (Microscopic droplets of acid hydrolase).
Autolysis
The double decomposition of a compound through the use of water. This chemical reaction initiates the putrefactive process- simply the splitting of water molecules.
Hydrolysis
The decomposition of proteins by the action of enzymes of anaerobic bacteria occurring after cellular death (pH of 8).
- Involves 3 major chemical reactions.
Putrefaction
- Hydrolysis
- Deamination
- Decarboxylation
Three Major Chemical Reactions of Putrefaction
The decomposition of proteins caused by the action of enzymes of aerobic bacteria.
Decay
This reaction is the removal of an amino group from an amino acid. Each amino acid undergoes a specific reaction, but in general ammonia and an organic acid are the end products. If extensive putrefaction has occurred before embalming, there will be a higher than normal HCHO demand due to the production of ammonia. An abundance of ammonia will neutralize HCHO, making it ineffective.
Deamination
By this reaction, the carboxyl group of an amino acid is removed. The end products are:
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- An amine
The amines may be further broken down into ammonia and various hydrocarbons.
Decarboxylation
Deamination and decarboxylation occur simultaneously, resulting in:
- Hydrocarbons
- Organic Acids
- Amines
- Ammonia
- Carbon Dioxide
- Hydrogen Sulfide
Final End Products of Decomposition
The primary organism causing this is clostridium perfringen (clostridium welchii, gas bacillus). In this antemortem stage, it causes gas gangrene. It may enter the body from open wounds or penetrate tissue from the intestinal canal. The greater the postmortem interval, the greater the chance of this.
Tissue Gas (Postmortem Emphysema)
It is impossible to treat and contain. The rapid freezing of the body with 10 or more one-pound blocks of dry ice (solidified carbon dioxide) placed with the body in a heavy rubber zipper bag will half decomposition, odor and leakage.
Advanced Stages of Tissue Gas
A six-point injection with special chemicals like liquid San-Veno (Brand Name) plus aspiration and reaspiration and injection of high index cavity fluid (above 40) plus supplemental hypodermic injection of concentrated cavity fluid in problem areas may allow for an open casket. Read directions carefully on label. Clean machine immediately after using.
Early Stages of Tissue Gas
- 35+ index HCHO
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Other chemicals recommended
These chemicals are not only injected arterially, they also should be hypodermically injected into the site of infection.
Other Chemicals Embalming may Include for Tissue Gas
This is one of the few times that waterless embalming might be considered.
Tissue Gas
After using San-Veno and other astringent chemicals.
Immediately Clean Machine
Chemicals which inactivate saprophytic bacteria, render unsuitable for nutrition the media upon which bacteria thrive, and which will arrest decomposition by altering the enzymes and lysins of the body as well as converting the decomposable tissues into a form much less susceptible to decomposition.
Preservatives
A saturated aqueous solution of HCHO which contains 40% by volume and 37% by weight of HCHO and 7% methyl alcohol (commercial formalin is stabilized by this, prevents polymerization).
Formalin
Dehydration and irritation of the skin following contact with formalin. Prolonged or frequent exposure to HCHO may result in severe dermatitis. Allergy to latex gloves also will cause skin cracking.
Embalmer’s Eczema
Such as formaldehyde and dialdehydes like gluteraldehyde and adialdehyde are the most commonly used aldehydes in embalming fluid complications.
Lower Mono-Aldehydes
Means the same as formaldehyde. When a word ends in al, it is an aldehyde. If a word ends in ol, it is an alcohol.
Methanal
Operates best at pH of 7.2 and 2% activated in solution is both a good preservative and germicide. Many embalmers prefer this over formaldehyde based arterial fluid. (5 Reasons)
Gluteraldehyde
- Less dehydrating
- Cross linking with both insolublized protein as well as polyhydroxy compounds.
- Many more times more effective than HCHO.
- Reacts with proteins over a wide variety of pH ranges.
- This is important because at death, the pH varies throughout the deceased.
- It is a liquid state versus HCHO’s gaseous state.
Reasons why Many Embalmers Prefer Gluteraldehyde over HCHO
Carbolic acid C6H5OH. It is obtained by the distillation of coal tar. The pure compound is colorless, interlaced, needle-shaped crystals, someties acquiring a pinkish tint. It has an aeromatic odor and is soluble in water, alcohol and glycerine. It is a strongly poisonous and reliable disinfectant and a good preservative against putrefaction and fermentation.
Phenol
When used by themselves, serve as bleaching agents fpr discolorations on skin surfaces and cauterants. When used with formaldehyde, the result is disasterous. (The tissue takes on a putty gray color particularly on contact with extravasated blood. (Example: bruises, the blood out of the vascular system can’t get out, turns grey (worst on ears.- HCHO grey)).
Phenol
