Embalming theory: Week 13

Embalmers may occasionally encounter bodies that have received radiation therapy.

Medical institutions administering these treatments closely monitor radiation levels.

Bodies are not released until radiation exposure is confirmed to be within safe limits.

Documentation of the radiation treatment must accompany the body upon release.

High-Level Radiation:

• Generated as a byproduct of reactions inside nuclear reactors.

• Not typically classified as hospital waste.

Low-Level Radiation:

• The type embalmers are most likely to encounter.

• Originates from various sources such as hospitals, research facilities, and nuclear power plants.

• May include contaminated materials such as:

  • Clothing, shoe covers, rags, and other protective gear

  • Medical supplies like tubes, swabs, syringes, and needles

Each state is responsible for establishing standards for radioactive Waster disposal.

• KS Stature 2019, Article 16-Nuclear Energy Development and Radiation Control gives guidance to funeral homes on the topic of Radioactive material disposal.

• Generally, it must be stored until it is no longer considered radioactive

• There are waste disposal companies that specialize in the radioactive waste.

• Medical institutions provide some form of warning indicating exposure to radiation.

• The institution is not permitted to release the body until the level of radioactivity has dropped below 30 millicuries for unautopsied bodies; 5 millicuries or below for autopsied remains.

Protective measures for the embalmer

• Items to be worn for protection

  • Wear PPE-addition of heavy rubber gloves worn over standard surgical gloves, a heavy rubber apron.

• Treatment of instruments

  • Sanitize instruments

• Limit contact with remains

  • Protection, Limit time of exposure, and distance from the body.

Treatment during Embalming:

• Flush all instruments with running water before submerging in cold chemical sterilant.

• Dispose of soiled paper toweling, cotton, suture material, hospital gowns, and the like, in the approved biohazard waste container.

• Washable gowns, towels, and clothing are readily laundered in-house or placed in a laundry bag for the service provider.

• Document the decedent’s exposure to radiation on the Embalming Report

• Triage all exposure incidents and report for medical attention.

Preterm- Live birth before 37 weeks gestation

Stillborn Death occurs before or during delivery

Infant Birth to 18 months

Legal definition of a fetus varies by state, but essentially this is a preterm infant:

• Many states require a fetal death certificate before 22 or 24 week gestation

  • In Kansas this is called a Certificate of Stillbirth

  • In Missouri a a report of spontaneous fetal death is filed and a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth can be requested

Embalming analysis with documentation

• ratios of Body fat and water are higher in infants

• Infants have delicate skin and vessels are much smaller, thus infant bodies are prone to swelling and distention

• Do not use harsh fluids

• Use smaller Arterial Tubes and reduce the pressure.

Embalming considerations

• Arterial injection- Expect most cases to be post -Autopsy.

  • Un-autopsied

    • Deaths to to chronic illnesses

    • May have complications due to medications and medications-edema

    • Common for the hospital to hold the infant until the mother is released from the hospital

  • Autopsied

    • Trauma , prolonged refrigeration, Autopsies are often more extensive than adult autopsies

Consider humectants, co-injections, and fluids that are designed for infants.

Hypodermic and surface treatments

• Depending on the size of the infant, it may be more practical to use hypo and surface embalming, especially for fetal remains.

Feature setting and positioning

• Needle injector typically not practical

• The infant mouth tends to close naturally or can be sutured with the musculature suture.

• Eye caps and mouth formers can be cut and modified