Monday 21 November 2011

Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal issues:Embalming


• Embalming is the process of chemically treating a dead body, developed by the ancient Egyptians, to preserve a person's body after death.
• Embalming delays decomposition of the body, restores it to an acceptable physical appearance and reduces presence and growth of bacteria to prevent foul smell and adds fragrance to the corpse.
• Embalming is done by injecting chemicals directly into the bloodstream, chest cavity and abdominal cavity to preserve the corpse's appearance.
• The most commonly used chemicals for embalming are formaldehyde and ethanol. A combination of these two chemicals is sufficient to preserve the body for a short time i.e. up to a week.
• To keep the corpse in good condition for a longer period i.e. up to a month, a solution made up almost entirely of formaldehyde is used.
• There are several steps involved in modern embalming. First, the embalming fluid is injected directly into the deceased’s blood vessels, and pushed through the body with a mechanical pump. Next, the internal organs are hollowed of their contents and filled with embalming fluid. The chemicals are then injected beneath the skin wherever necessary, followed by a final surface embalming on injured areas of the body.
• Embalming certificate is required by law in certain circumstances like air/rail transportation.


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