The firm I work for has recently implemented a new embalming solution that we must use for all embalming. Apparently the boss has recently noticed dehydrating, firm tissue, and more fluid than normal being used. The dehydration is being blamed on using Introfiant, which we are discouraged from using at all, and from "over embalming". The dehydration I notice is from under embalmed tissue, others not creaming the face after embalming, and over manipulation of tissues while setting features (we are required to overlap the eye lids). The proposed solution is only 1.12% formaldehyde solution, which just does not cut it with today’s bodies. Experts in law suits as a result of poor embalming generally use 2% formaldehyde solution as a minimum to gage preservation. Has any one else had to deal with this type situation? I put up with a lot where I work, but when I'm told how to embalm (after 15 years & 1000's of bodies) by a boss who doesn't leave his office and embalmed once in a year I get upset. How do I draw the line?

have always been a firm believer in the saying "there is more than one way to skin a cat". People use different techniques. As long as the body looks the best it can, what is the problem? I would be frusterate in your situation also. I guess if he is the owner of the business then you have to follow suit.

Posted by:

Ryan Thogmartin (Huppstiverson)
Connecting Directors, Co-Founder

I can understand we have all been there before. It shouldn't matter how you get the job done, just as long as it gets done.

Hey Sean,

There really isnt "Holy water" when it comes to solutions used. I think, as you well know there is alot of diff reasons for dehydration with bodies. Once our bosses told us we were using to much Di-san and that was causing the dehydration issues. Well, being the nerdy embalmer as i am i set out to prove a point that it wasnt me doing somthing wrong with the amount of Di-san we were using, I did some research and found that if you are using a gyluta fluid or a higher index fluid try to add some form of a strait humectant, only about 1oz per gallon of total Solution (TS). I also found that where we were keeping our post-embalmed bodies the air vents for heat and air were blowing ON the bodies. so i began covering the face with a thin layer of cream then puting plastic on the face. Worked well for me. I feel your pain!! also, if your all knowing, non-preproom visiting boss who i'm sure is up on thier skills can tell you that if you do not use at least a 2+% solution the "sanatisation" of the bodies is not always acurate. Good Luck, Take care..With out embalming Pros like all of us, the Funeral homes would be called churches.

MY 2 Cents..

MortyMike

That sucks. I'd be pissed too if I was told how to do my job. When I was an SCI firm, they were kind of like that. They kept the Introfiant under lock & key and they used the same mixture for practically every body. I like to do the old school pre-embalming analysis, and I like to do a 3% mixture to be on the safe side.

The place I apprenticed at wouldn't use anything but a 1.25% solution.. while that might be a good strength for a jaundiced body, it just doesn't cut it for anything else.. sometimes.. oops.. a rather careless individual would accidently open and pour another bottle of arterial in the tank!

I had a big problem with the owner telling us how to embalm, meanwhile he probably hasn't even picked up an aneurysm hook in about 30 years!

First off, using a lower solution on jaundiced bodies means you're not fully embalming them, the reason jaundiced bodies turn green is that the formaldehyde is reacting to the bilirubin pigments. If they don't go green, they're not preserved. To counteract the greening process, I find that approx 6-8 oz of Regular Icterine helps create a red foundation. Easier to cosmetize.

As for dehydration with stronger chemical, I agree that you should keep the body creamed, covered, and out of air flow. If you follow that, it shouldn't matter how strong your solution is, a stronger solution simply means more firming if the above steps are followed.

Besides, better to over-embalm than under-embalm

Always embalm as if viewing is to be delayed.