BIE Diploma in Embalming - Foundation Theory flashcards

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

Arterial injection site

Common carotid and femoral arteries are the main sites; axillary, brachial and radial arteries are alternatives when local conditions permit.

Pulmonary circulation

Right ventricle sends deoxygenated blood to lungs via pulmonary arteries; oxygenated blood returns via pulmonary veins to left atrium.

Facial nerve

Cranial nerve VII supplies muscles of facial expression; its branches are relevant when restoring facial symmetry and expression.

Gram stain result

Gram-positive bacteria retain crystal violet and appear purple; Gram-negative bacteria decolourise and counterstain pink with safranin.

Bacterial endospore

Dormant, highly resistant structure formed by Bacillus and Clostridium; survives heat and many disinfectants and requires sterilization conditions for destruction.

Chain of infection

Six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry and susceptible host; break any link to prevent transmission.

Standard precautions

Apply to all deceased persons: hand hygiene, risk-assessed PPE, sharps care, spill management, waste segregation and environmental decontamination regardless of known infection status.

Airborne precaution

Used for pathogens spread by small droplet nuclei, such as tuberculosis or varicella; requires ventilation and fit-tested respiratory protection in aerosol-generating tasks.

Needlestick action

Encourage bleeding, wash with soap and water, cover, report immediately and seek occupational health advice; do not scrub or suck the wound.

Formaldehyde index

Grams of formaldehyde per 100 mL of solution; distinguishes formaldehyde content from formalin percentage, which is not the same measure.

Dilution formula

C1V1 = C2V2, where C is concentration and V is volume; used to calculate water needed to dilute a concentrated embalming fluid.

Formaldehyde fixation

Formaldehyde cross-links proteins, especially amino groups, producing tissue hardening and preservation; pH and concentration influence the rate and quality.

Glycerin role

A humectant that attracts and retains water in tissue, helping to limit dehydration and restore suppleness; it is water and alcohol soluble.

Phenol caution

Phenol is a toxic, corrosive preservative and cauterant used in cavity fluids; handle with PPE and avoid skin contact or inhalation.

Buffer function

Buffers resist pH change in embalming solutions, helping maintain conditions for fixation and reducing formalin pigment formation.

Livor mortis

Gravitational pooling of blood in dependent vessels after death; blanches early, becomes fixed as vessels and tissue change, and helps assess position and timing.

Rigor mortis

Post-mortem stiffening from ATP depletion and actin-myosin binding; starts in small muscles, peaks and later resolves as decomposition advances.

Decomposition sequence

Typically fresh, bloat, active decay, advanced decay and skeletonisation; temperature, moisture, body condition and environment alter rate and appearance.

Arterial injection aim

Deliver preservative through the arterial tree to capillaries so it diffuses into tissue, while venous drainage removes blood and excess fluid.

Cavity embalming

Aspiration of thoracic and abdominal cavities followed by injection of concentrated cavity fluid to treat organs and reduce decomposition and odour.

Distribution sign

Firming of tissue, appropriate colour, fluid in drainage and filling of superficial vessels indicate preservative distribution; absence prompts technique review.

COSHH assessment

A UK requirement to assess risks from hazardous substances such as formaldehyde, including exposure, controls, monitoring and emergency arrangements before work begins.

Hierarchy of control

Eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE, applied in that order to reduce workplace risk as far as reasonably practicable.

Formalin spill response

Evacuate and ventilate, use trained personnel with PPE, contain with absorbent, clean and decontaminate, and dispose of waste according to hazardous waste rules.

Embalming consent

Permission for embalming must be obtained from the legally authorised person or as permitted by law; it cannot be assumed from family silence.

Chain of custody

Documented chronological record of possession and transfer of the deceased and associated items, supported by identity checks, to prevent misidentification.

Duty of confidentiality

Personal and health information about the deceased and family must be kept secure and shared only with those who need it for care or legal purposes.

Colour correction

Use the colour wheel: green neutralises red, yellow neutralises purple and peach or orange reduces blue-grey discolouration in restorative cosmetics.

Tissue builder

A viscous material injected or applied to restore contour in sunken areas; build in thin layers and blend edges to avoid visible ridges.

Restorative lighting

Assess colour match under neutral daylight or balanced lighting; yellow or coloured light can mislead cosmetic matching and hide discolouration.

Empathetic communication

Use plain language, active listening and a calm manner; confirm the family's understanding and allow questions without rushing or using jargon.

Dignified care

Cover the deceased, preserve privacy, use respectful language and follow cultural or religious wishes documented in the care plan.