AAMI EMBALMING CHEMISTRY WEEK 8 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027
INDEX - Answers is the amount of formaldehyde gas (grams) dissolved in 100 ml. of water
Strong / Hardening / Firming: - Answers causes rapid tissue coagulation and fixation with a
definite degree of firmness
used for problem cases and more difficult to firm bodies
improper use may cause an excessive degree of dehydration . index of 26 - 36
Medium / Semi-hardening / Semi-firming: - Answers produces moderate, slow-forming flexible
firmness with little dehydration
used for routine cases..
index of 16 - 25
Weak / Non-hardening / Non-firming - Answers produces a minimum amount of firming
used for jaundice cases, children and infants
index of 5 - 15
PRESERVATIVES - Answers They inactivate saprophytic bacteria and render the medium upon
which they thrive unsuitable for nutrition.
They arrest decomposition by altering the enzymes of the body by denaturing the proteins of the
body in such
a manner that the enzymes of decomposition cannot work.
aldehydes - Answers all _____function by cross-linking proteins.
Formaldehydes - Answers It rapidly destroys autolytic enzymes and acts on the body's proteins
making them insoluble
and thereby inhibiting tissue decomposition.
A small amount is needed to act on a large amount of protein.
It deodorizes the body amines formed during putrefaction.
Glyoxal - Answers tends to stain tissue yellow limiting its use mainly to cavity fluid formulations.
Gluteraldehyde - Answers produces less firming than formaldehyde and has outstanding
disinfectant qualities.
, It is capable of reacting with protein structures over a wide pH range.
It is less dehydrating than formaldehyde.
Is an excellent disinfectant that is known as a "cold chemical sterilant
Methyl alcohol - (methanol, wood alcohol, CH3OH ) - Answers will cross-link proteins as well as
being an
antipolymerizing agent for formaldehyde.
Isopropyl alcohol - (rubbing alcohol) - C3H7OH - - Answers has the best germicidal qualities of
the three.Ethyl alcohol -Isopropyl alcoho-Methyl alcohol
Phenol - Answers It is used only on anatomical specimens not in fluid because of the putty gray
appearance it produces
when mixed with formaldehyde. It was one of the most commonly found components of
embalming
fluid many years ago because it is very rapidly absorbed by protein structures.
QUATS - Answers are not compatible with wetting agents and coloring material used in arterial
fluids so they
are restricted to DISINFECTING THE CAVITIES (nasal, oral) and SKIN.
QUATS - Answers are used chiefly for their germicidal and deodorizing value.
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS or QUATS - Answers They are commonly found in
cold sterilization formulations for instruments and other items; cleaning
agents for mold proofing remains; and deodorant sprays.
Examples include: Zephiran chloride, Roccal, Zepheral, Germitol and Benzalkonium chloride
Gluteraldehyde - Answers is known as a "cold chemical sterilant" that is good for use on
instruments, and in an
alkaline pH it is particularly effective.
Phenol - Answers is used as a germicide; however its use is restricted to cavity fluids
Humectants - Answers are agents which help to control tissue moisture balance.
They can be called a moisture retaining agent which delays dehydration.
They assist in making the embalmed tissue more flexible and rubbery.
LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027
INDEX - Answers is the amount of formaldehyde gas (grams) dissolved in 100 ml. of water
Strong / Hardening / Firming: - Answers causes rapid tissue coagulation and fixation with a
definite degree of firmness
used for problem cases and more difficult to firm bodies
improper use may cause an excessive degree of dehydration . index of 26 - 36
Medium / Semi-hardening / Semi-firming: - Answers produces moderate, slow-forming flexible
firmness with little dehydration
used for routine cases..
index of 16 - 25
Weak / Non-hardening / Non-firming - Answers produces a minimum amount of firming
used for jaundice cases, children and infants
index of 5 - 15
PRESERVATIVES - Answers They inactivate saprophytic bacteria and render the medium upon
which they thrive unsuitable for nutrition.
They arrest decomposition by altering the enzymes of the body by denaturing the proteins of the
body in such
a manner that the enzymes of decomposition cannot work.
aldehydes - Answers all _____function by cross-linking proteins.
Formaldehydes - Answers It rapidly destroys autolytic enzymes and acts on the body's proteins
making them insoluble
and thereby inhibiting tissue decomposition.
A small amount is needed to act on a large amount of protein.
It deodorizes the body amines formed during putrefaction.
Glyoxal - Answers tends to stain tissue yellow limiting its use mainly to cavity fluid formulations.
Gluteraldehyde - Answers produces less firming than formaldehyde and has outstanding
disinfectant qualities.
, It is capable of reacting with protein structures over a wide pH range.
It is less dehydrating than formaldehyde.
Is an excellent disinfectant that is known as a "cold chemical sterilant
Methyl alcohol - (methanol, wood alcohol, CH3OH ) - Answers will cross-link proteins as well as
being an
antipolymerizing agent for formaldehyde.
Isopropyl alcohol - (rubbing alcohol) - C3H7OH - - Answers has the best germicidal qualities of
the three.Ethyl alcohol -Isopropyl alcoho-Methyl alcohol
Phenol - Answers It is used only on anatomical specimens not in fluid because of the putty gray
appearance it produces
when mixed with formaldehyde. It was one of the most commonly found components of
embalming
fluid many years ago because it is very rapidly absorbed by protein structures.
QUATS - Answers are not compatible with wetting agents and coloring material used in arterial
fluids so they
are restricted to DISINFECTING THE CAVITIES (nasal, oral) and SKIN.
QUATS - Answers are used chiefly for their germicidal and deodorizing value.
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS or QUATS - Answers They are commonly found in
cold sterilization formulations for instruments and other items; cleaning
agents for mold proofing remains; and deodorant sprays.
Examples include: Zephiran chloride, Roccal, Zepheral, Germitol and Benzalkonium chloride
Gluteraldehyde - Answers is known as a "cold chemical sterilant" that is good for use on
instruments, and in an
alkaline pH it is particularly effective.
Phenol - Answers is used as a germicide; however its use is restricted to cavity fluids
Humectants - Answers are agents which help to control tissue moisture balance.
They can be called a moisture retaining agent which delays dehydration.
They assist in making the embalmed tissue more flexible and rubbery.
