Richard reaches for a higher index arterial fluid than a lot of embalmers in our area do. Here’s how we think about index, and why he leans higher.
What the index means
An arterial fluid’s index is the number of grams of formaldehyde in 100 milliliters of fluid. We sort ours the way most funeral homes do: low index is 28 and under, high index is 30 and above.
You control the strength
The strength of your arterial solution depends on how much fluid you put in each gallon, as well as the index. A higher index fluid gives you room to adjust. You can mix it milder for a routine case or stronger for a hard one, from the same bottle.
When higher index earns its keep
- Edema, where extra water in the tissue dilutes your solution.
- Delayed embalming and refrigerated cases.
- Large or heavy cases.
- A long time before the service, or remains that will be shipped.
When low index makes sense
Routine cases with a short time to the service, when you want good preservation without firming the tissue more than it needs.
Jaundice is its own case
A jaundiced case calls for a jaundice fluid, not just a stronger arterial. Too much formaldehyde can turn yellow tissue green. We carry Adkins Dijon, a non-formalin jaundice fluid, and the Trinity SF Jaundice fluid.
What we carry
High index fluids from Trinity, ESCO, Arlington and Bondol, and low index fluids from the same makers, plus pre-injection and co-injection fluids for difficult cases.