Microbiology Vocabulary Chapter 23 Module 3

Formalin

Definition: A concentrated liquid form of formaldehyde used as a disinfectant. Sentence: Formalin is an extremely concentrated form of formaldehyde used in mortuary preparations.

Insecticides

Definition: A pesticide that targets species of insects and other invertebrates. Sentence: Embalmers should follow proper handling, storage, and usage guidelines when using insecticides to minimize risk to themselves and to the environment, as these chemicals can be toxic and harmful if not handled correctly.

Disinfection

Definition: A process that eliminates many or all pathogens, microorganisms, with the exception of bacteria spores, from inanimate objects. Sentence: Disinfection in embalming is the process of using chemical or heat agents to eliminate pathogens to reduce the risk of infection.

Bactericides

Definition: A substance that causes the death of bacteria, not spores. Sentence: In the context of mortuary science, bactericides are used in embalming fluid and other preservation chemicals to prevent the growth of bacteria that could lead to decomposition and putrefaction.

Freezing

Definition: A technique that can be used to preserve microorganisms and food. Sentence: Freezing a deceased body can impact the arteries and make embalming more difficult.

Benzalkonium Chloride

Definition: A topical antiseptic used on the skin before surgery, in nasal sprays, and as a preservative in eye drops. Sentence: Embalmers use benzalkonium chloride to clean and disinfect surfaces, tools, and the body itself during the embalming process

Germicides

Definition: Agents that destroy pathogenic organisms, not spores. Sentence: In the context of mortuary science, germicides are commonly used in the preparation and handling of deceased bodies to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a safe and sanitary environment.

Sporicides

Definition: Agents that kill bacterial and mold spores, can also be used during the process of terminal disinfection of embalming instruments and equipment. Sentence: Sporicides are important tools in the embalming process, as they help prevent the growth of these harmful organisms and contribute to the overall preservation of the body.

Alcohols

Definition: Alcohols exhibit antimicrobial activity by denaturing and coagulating proteins within the microbial cell wall. Sentence: It is important for embalmers to use appropriate types and concentrations of alcohols, follow safety guidelines, and use personal protective equipment.

Ceepryn Chloride

Definition: Another quaternary ammonium compound, is commonly found in mouthwashes. primarily acting to control microorganisms by disrupting their cell membranes and causing cell death due to its positive charge interacting with the negatively charged bacterial cell surface. Sentence: Embalmers must handle formaldehyde with care and use proper safety measures, such as wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area, to prevent exposure to its toxic fumes.

Refrigeration

Definition: Artificial cooling that drastically reduces microbial growth of certain bacteria. Sentence: The decomposition process of a deceased body can be slowed down with refrigeration of the body.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Definition: Chemical disinfectants and antiseptic that damage cellular membranes and denature microbial proteins. They are capable of altering the surface tension of cell membranes causing their cellular contents to leak out, thus destroying the cell. These compounds are deactivated in the presence of soap and other organic matter found in items like gauze. Sentence: Embalmers should be familiar with the different types of quaternary ammonium compounds and their proper usage and handling to ensure effective and safe use during the embalming and preservation process

Aldehydes

Definition: Control microbial growth by reacting with the proteins in microorganisms and altering their chemical structure. Sentence: Embalmers use aldehydes, such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, as embalming fluids to help preserve deceased bodies and prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause tissue decomposition and odors.

Cresols

Definition: Cresols work by damaging the cell membrane of bacteria, leading to their death. Sentence: Embalmers use cresols to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other organisms that can cause bad odors and tissue decomposition in deceased bodies.

Free-flowing steam

Definition: Destroys vegetative bacteria but not endospores. Sentence: The use of free-flowing steam could be a method to decontaminate embalming instruments.

Carbolic acid

Definition: Effectively controlling microorganisms by disrupting their cell membranes and denaturing their proteins. Sentence: Embalmers use carbolic acid to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause foul odors and tissue decomposition in deceased bodies.

Steam under pressure

Definition: Effectively destroys endospores and sterilizes inanimate objects/substances. Sentence: An autoclave uses steam under pressure to decontaminate embalming instruments.

Formaldehyde

Definition: Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable chemical with a strong odor used to disinfect excreta, linen, dishes, instruments, rubber gloves, tissue preservation and fumigation. Sentence: Embalmers use formaldehyde to preserve deceased bodies and prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause odor and tissue decomposition.

Isopropyl alcohol

Definition: Highly effective agent in microbiology for controlling microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, by disrupting their cell membranes and rapidly killing them. Sentence: Embalmers use isopropyl alcohol to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause odors and tissue decomposition in deceased bodies.

Iodine

Definition: Iodine also denatures microbial proteins. Sentence: Embalmers use iodine solutions to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause tissue decomposition and odors.

Fungicides

Definition: Kill fungi and spore. Sentence: In the context of mortuary science, fungicides are used to remove and reduce the growth of fungal and mold organisms on deceased bodies and within the embalming room.

Larvicides

Definition: Kills larvae, which are the wormlike forms of newly hatched insects. Sentence: In the context of mortuary science, larvicides are used to control and eliminate flies and other insects that can lay eggs and breed on deceased bodies.

Chlorine

Definition: Kills most most disease causing microorganisms. Sentence: Embalmers use chlorine in various forms, such as chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite (bleach), to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause tissue decomposition and odors.

Scrubbing

Definition: Manual process by which microorganisms are removed from a surface. Sentence: Embalmers go through the process of scrubbing the embalming table after they are finished with a decedent.

Dry heat

Definition: Moderate to high temperatures; dehydration, alters protein structure; incineration. Sentence: Dry heat is used to accelerate the dehydration process of a deceased body's tissues.

Hexachlorophene

Definition: Once used as an antibacterial agent. 450 times more effective as a germicide than phenol. Sentence: Embalmers use hexachlorophene to clean and disinfect various tools and surfaces during the embalming process, including the body itself.

Glutaraldehyde

Definition: Solution used for high-level disinfection and sterilization. Sentence: Embalmers use and handle glutaraldehyde regularly in the preservative chemicals and dyes used during the embalming process.

Physical Methods of controlling microorganisms

Definition: Techniques that use physical agents like heat, autoclaving, radiation, filtration, or pressure to kill or inhibit the growth of microbes, essentially eliminating them by altering their cellular structures without the use of chemical compounds. Sentence: One of the physical Methods of controlling microorganisms Embalmers use is autoclaving in attempt to control the growth of microorganisms and prevent contaminating instruments.

Incineration

Definition: The process of burning waste materials to reduce volume and mass, sometimes to generate electricity or heat Sentence: incineration is used most frequently in funeral homes to treat hazardous waste

Sterilization

Definition: The process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores. Sentence: The sterilization process in embalming is a significant step in preventing the growth of bacteria and preserving the decedent's body.

Cremation

Definition: The reduction of a dead human body to inorganic bone fragments by intense heat in a specifically designed retort or chamber. Sentence: The final disposition for deceased bodies is cremation.

Boiling

Definition: The temperature at which a liquid changes to a gas. Sentence: Boiling is used to soften and disarticulate parts of the deceased body.

Halogens

Definition: Ued as disinfectant, by oxidizing the components of microbial cells. Sentence: In mortuary science, halogens are commonly used as antiseptics and preservatives in embalming fluids and other chemicals used to preserve and maintain the appearance of deceased bodies.

Ethyl Alcohol

Definition: Used as a disinfectant to control microorganisms by denaturing their proteins, effectively killing bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. Sentence: Embalmers use alcoholic solvents, such as ethyl alcohol, to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause foul odors and tissue decomposition in deceased bodies

Chemical methods of controlling microorganisms

Definition: Using agents such as: Halogens, Phenol compounds, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds which work by disrupting microbial cell functions, often by denaturing proteins or damaging cell membranes, to kill or inhibit their growth. Sentence: Embalmers use a variety of chemicals, such as fungicides, bactericides, and pesticides, to kill and prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause odors, decomposition, and other problems in deceased bodies.

Antisepsis

Definition: destroying harmful microorganisms from living tissue Sentence: Antisepsis refers to the practice of using chemical substances to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.