BIE International Diploma in Embalming - Final Theory flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Systemic circulation route

Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium from the vena cavae, passes to the right ventricle and lungs, returns oxygenated via pulmonary veins to the left atrium and left ventricle, then enters the aorta.

Common carotid bifurcation

At the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, about C4, each common carotid divides into internal and external carotid arteries; the internal supplies the brain and eye.

Femoral artery access

The femoral artery, the continuation of the external iliac artery below the inguinal ligament, lies in the femoral triangle with the femoral vein medial to it; it is commonly used for lower-body arterial injection.

Rigor mortis mechanism

After death, ATP depletion prevents muscle relaxation, causing stiffening that begins in small muscles and later resolves as proteolysis proceeds; heat accelerates and cooling slows the process.

Livor mortis

Postmortem gravitational settling of blood in dependent capillaries and veins causes purplish discoloration; it fixes after several hours and blanches early if pressure is applied.

Capillary exchange

Thin-walled capillaries allow water, gases, nutrients and waste exchange between blood and tissues; they connect arterioles to venules and are the main site of fluid distribution.

Bacterial spore resistance

Endospores formed by Bacillus and Clostridium resist heat, drying and many disinfectants; killing them requires sporicidal agents or validated sterilization processes.

Prion inactivation

Prions are abnormally folded infectious proteins resistant to routine disinfection and autoclaving; safe handling requires incineration or validated prion-specific protocols.

Bloodborne virus transmission

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV spread through blood or body fluids; hepatitis B survives longer on surfaces and has an effective vaccine.

Airborne tuberculosis risk

Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads in droplet nuclei that remain suspended in air; aerosol-generating procedures on unsuspected cases pose particular risk in mortuary settings.

Autolysis versus putrefaction

Autolysis is self-digestion by cellular enzymes after death; putrefaction is later microbial decomposition, often beginning in the gut and spreading through vascular channels.

Arterial fluid dilution

Final embalming strength equals formaldehyde index multiplied by concentrate volume, divided by total volume; a 20-index concentrate diluted to twice its volume gives about 10 percent.

Cavity embalming purpose

Aspiration removes gases and liquids from the thorax and abdomen, then concentrated cavity fluid is injected to disinfect and preserve viscera not reached by arterial injection.

Co-injection fluid components

Co-injection additives may include anticoagulants, surfactants, humectants, dyes and buffers; they modify distribution, colour, tissue moisture and fluid stability during arterial embalming.

Hypodermic embalming

Local injection of diluted embalming fluid through a syringe into tissue areas not adequately reached by the arterial system, such as fingers, toes or areas of vascular obstruction.

Formaldehyde fixation

Formaldehyde reacts with amino groups in proteins to form cross-links, hardening tissue and slowing decomposition; its preservative effect depends on concentration, penetration and time.

Six-point injection

An embalming approach using bilateral common carotid, axillary and femoral arterial injection sites to improve distribution when one site is inadequate or circulation is compromised.

Standard precautions

Infection control measures applied to all deceased persons regardless of known diagnosis, including hand hygiene, appropriate PPE, safe sharps handling and safe waste disposal.

Formaldehyde exposure limits

Formaldehyde is a carcinogen with workplace exposure limits; typical UK limits are 2 ppm for 15 minutes and 1 ppm over 8 hours, requiring ventilation and monitoring.

Blood spill disinfection

For blood or body fluid spills, absorb visible material, clean, then disinfect with sodium hypochlorite around 10,000 ppm available chlorine or a validated equivalent.

Sharps injury response

After a sharps injury, encourage bleeding, wash with soap and water, cover, report immediately and seek occupational health assessment for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Infectious waste segregation

Sharps belong in rigid puncture-resistant containers; blood-contaminated and anatomical waste are segregated into labelled infectious waste streams according to local regulations.

Pre-embalming case assessment

Before treatment, confirm identity, authorization, cause of death, infection risk, implants, tissue condition and any religious or cultural requirements that affect the procedure.

Embalming record content

A treatment record documents date, time, personnel, authorization, arterial and cavity fluids used, injection and drainage sites, complications and restorative procedures performed.

Family communication

Explaining procedures in plain language, respecting grief and cultural beliefs, and obtaining clear consent are core professional responsibilities before and after embalming.

Scope of practice

The boundaries of tasks a practitioner is trained, competent and legally authorized to perform; work outside these limits should be referred to an appropriately qualified professional.

Continuing professional development

Ongoing learning and reflective practice that maintains competence, keeps knowledge current and demonstrates commitment to professional standards throughout a practitioner's career.

Authorization to embalm

Legal permission from the person with lawful authority, or documented consent under local law, must be obtained before embalming; without it, treatment should not proceed.

Reportable death

A death that is unexpected, violent, suspicious or unattended may require reporting to a coroner or medicolegal authority before embalming or cremation.

Pacemaker cremation hazard

Cardiac pacemakers and other implanted power sources can explode or release hazardous materials during cremation and must be removed or disclosed according to regulations.

Confidentiality after death

Personal and medical information about the deceased remains confidential and should be disclosed only to authorized people or where law requires it.

Environmental disposal

Formaldehyde-containing fluids and contaminated materials must be disposed of through approved routes, never poured into drains unless local regulations explicitly permit it.