Improving the Quality of Prosected Limbs in Gross Anatomy by Dissecting Under Water

Abstract

One key advantage of properly performed formalin‐based embalming is that quality and duration of tissue preservation is very good. This advantage is however associated with the need for specialized equipment, effective approved ventilation systems in preparation and dissecting environments, as well as regulated air monitoring and chemical disposal protocols for formaldehyde. As part of a study of methods to reduce levels of formaldehyde in air while preserving tissue quality, formalin‐embalmed gross anatomy specimens were pre‐soaked and dissected under water. This report describes the effect on both the quality of tissue preservation and dissection of upper limb specimens. Sections of upper limbs that had been embalmed in 10% formalin for at least 90 days were immersed in water for 12 or 48 hours (water was changed after 24 hours). Following pre‐soaking in water, specimens were dissected under water using standard dissecting instruments to expose muscles in the forearm and hand. One upper limb specimen did not receive water treatment and was dissected normally in air for comparison. The dissecting experience under water was technically less challenging (easier than normal dissecting in air), less force was required to reflect skin, and tissue quality and appearance of specimens dissected under water were significantly enhanced when compared to untreated specimens dissected in the normal manner. Our findings suggest that over a seven‐month period, water immersion treatment of formalin‐embalmed limbs does not affect quality of tissue preservation, did not result in tissue swelling or development of mold, and facilitated the production of high quality prosected specimens for teaching. This approach is cost effective and environmentally safe.Support or Funding InformationNone