Embalming Fluid - Modified Composition for Hot and Humid Places

Address for Correspondence: Prof. Dr. Suniti Raj Mishra, Professor & Head, Department of Anatomy, G.S.V.M. Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. E-Mail: [email protected] Background: The human cadaver is the chief member of the department of anatomy in any medical school or a college, who draws the maximum attention, love, care and regard and so needs to be preserved well. Embalming is a well known technique for preservation of cadavers with chemicals. Aim: It was felt that the composition of embalming fluid should vary with the climate of any place. In hot and humid weather as seen in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh the cadavers tend to putrefy faster as compared to cold places. Hence the present work was undertaken to formulate the composition of embalming fluid for a hot and humid places like Uttar Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: In addition to the old standard ingredients of embalming fluid viz. formalin, glycerine and carbolic acid being used in the department since past years, other antiseptic and antifungal ingredients like thymol, Potassium Nitrate, Naphthalene flakes, Boric Acid, Ammonium Bromide, sodium Citrate and plenty of Common Salt were added in the water. The embalming fluid so prepared was instilled in the body. Result and Conclusion: The cadavers with the modified embalming fluid were better preserved, soft and long lasting than the past years. It was concluded that the composition of the embalming fluid should be modified according to the climate of the place and antifungal agents must be added in the solution in the hot and humid places.