Embalming Tools UPDATED Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Sanitization/Disinfection - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Sanitization - this is a process to
promote and establish conditions that minimize or eliminate biohazards. Sanitation is performed
by flushing/rinsing the organisms away with running water.
2. Disinfection - this is the destruction and/or inhibition of most pathogenic organisms and their
products in/on the body. Disinfection kills MOST of the organisms.
Temporary Preservation - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Accomplished by changing body
proteins so they become somewhat stabilized, protein water sensitivity is decreased, and increase
protein resistance to proteolytic enzymes of both an autolytic and microbial type.
a. Proteo = protein
b. Lysis = break down
c. Auto = self or natural metabolism
d. Microbial type = bacteria; example: digestive flora
2. Destruction of most autolytic and microbial enzymes, which have protein, carbohydrate and
fat-splitting ability
Scalpel - CORRECT ANSWER - A sharp cutting instrument used for making incisions
through the skin. Designed to have either a permanent blade or disposable blade
Aneurysm hook/needle - CORRECT ANSWER - A blunt instrument used for tissue
dissection to locate and elevate (vessel) arteries and veins. An aneurysm hook has a sharp
pointed end and an aneurysm needle has a blunt end and has a hole in the curved part to thread
ligature through
Separator - CORRECT ANSWER - Used to keep vessels elevated above the incision. The
handle of an aneurysm hook may be used as a separator
Scissors - CORRECT ANSWER - Used for cutting different tissues or materials. Scissors
may have a tip that is either sharp or blunted.
, Needle injector - CORRECT ANSWER - Used to insert a "barb" or injector wire into the
mandible and maxilla to hold the lower jaw closed for viewing purposes
Hemostat (locking forceps) - CORRECT ANSWER - Many varieties exist. They can be
used to clamp leaking vessels. The tips may be curved, straight, serrated, smooth, plain or rat-
toothed. Arterial forceps can be used to hold the arterial tube in an artery. Dressing forceps are
very long hemostats
Spring forceps - CORRECT ANSWER - They might look like tweezers; intended for
grasping and holding tissue. The limbs may be straight, curved or angled. The tips may be
serrated, smooth or rat-toothed. Angular spring forceps are commonly used for drainage in the
internal jugular vein
Razor - CORRECT ANSWER - May be of the permanent, disposable or replaceable blade-
type. Electric razor - useful when having to shave a body already embalmed or in the removal of
a full beard ~ helps reduce the risk of "razor burn" (marks of dehydration or dessication).
Suture Needle - CORRECT ANSWER - A wide variety exists. When used with suture
thread they close incisions. The edges of the needles can be smooth or cutting. 3/8" curved
needle can be used on more delicate suturing and mouth closures. Double curved or "S" needle
can be used to close autopsy incisions or vessel site incisions. The L-shaped or Loopuyt needle is
designed for the best grip
Needle Holder - CORRECT ANSWER - Similar to a "hemostat" (locking forceps).
Designed to clamp and hold a needle. This is good to use to prevent needle sticks
Hypodermic syringe and needle - CORRECT ANSWER - Hollow needle attached to a
reservoir (syringe). Enables local injection of liquids and creams.
Tissue Spreading Forceps - CORRECT ANSWER - Made of spring steel, these are
designed to hold incisions open
Questions and CORRECT Answers
Sanitization/Disinfection - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Sanitization - this is a process to
promote and establish conditions that minimize or eliminate biohazards. Sanitation is performed
by flushing/rinsing the organisms away with running water.
2. Disinfection - this is the destruction and/or inhibition of most pathogenic organisms and their
products in/on the body. Disinfection kills MOST of the organisms.
Temporary Preservation - CORRECT ANSWER - 1. Accomplished by changing body
proteins so they become somewhat stabilized, protein water sensitivity is decreased, and increase
protein resistance to proteolytic enzymes of both an autolytic and microbial type.
a. Proteo = protein
b. Lysis = break down
c. Auto = self or natural metabolism
d. Microbial type = bacteria; example: digestive flora
2. Destruction of most autolytic and microbial enzymes, which have protein, carbohydrate and
fat-splitting ability
Scalpel - CORRECT ANSWER - A sharp cutting instrument used for making incisions
through the skin. Designed to have either a permanent blade or disposable blade
Aneurysm hook/needle - CORRECT ANSWER - A blunt instrument used for tissue
dissection to locate and elevate (vessel) arteries and veins. An aneurysm hook has a sharp
pointed end and an aneurysm needle has a blunt end and has a hole in the curved part to thread
ligature through
Separator - CORRECT ANSWER - Used to keep vessels elevated above the incision. The
handle of an aneurysm hook may be used as a separator
Scissors - CORRECT ANSWER - Used for cutting different tissues or materials. Scissors
may have a tip that is either sharp or blunted.
, Needle injector - CORRECT ANSWER - Used to insert a "barb" or injector wire into the
mandible and maxilla to hold the lower jaw closed for viewing purposes
Hemostat (locking forceps) - CORRECT ANSWER - Many varieties exist. They can be
used to clamp leaking vessels. The tips may be curved, straight, serrated, smooth, plain or rat-
toothed. Arterial forceps can be used to hold the arterial tube in an artery. Dressing forceps are
very long hemostats
Spring forceps - CORRECT ANSWER - They might look like tweezers; intended for
grasping and holding tissue. The limbs may be straight, curved or angled. The tips may be
serrated, smooth or rat-toothed. Angular spring forceps are commonly used for drainage in the
internal jugular vein
Razor - CORRECT ANSWER - May be of the permanent, disposable or replaceable blade-
type. Electric razor - useful when having to shave a body already embalmed or in the removal of
a full beard ~ helps reduce the risk of "razor burn" (marks of dehydration or dessication).
Suture Needle - CORRECT ANSWER - A wide variety exists. When used with suture
thread they close incisions. The edges of the needles can be smooth or cutting. 3/8" curved
needle can be used on more delicate suturing and mouth closures. Double curved or "S" needle
can be used to close autopsy incisions or vessel site incisions. The L-shaped or Loopuyt needle is
designed for the best grip
Needle Holder - CORRECT ANSWER - Similar to a "hemostat" (locking forceps).
Designed to clamp and hold a needle. This is good to use to prevent needle sticks
Hypodermic syringe and needle - CORRECT ANSWER - Hollow needle attached to a
reservoir (syringe). Enables local injection of liquids and creams.
Tissue Spreading Forceps - CORRECT ANSWER - Made of spring steel, these are
designed to hold incisions open
