Simple Safety Measures Research Articles

Simple steps towards improving safety in obstetric airway management: A quality improvement project.

Guidelines from the Obstetric Anaesthetists' Association and Difficult Airway Society state that 'a videolaryngoscope should be immediately available for all obstetric general anaesthetics'. To report the incidence of videolaryngoscopy use, and other airway management safety interventions, in an obstetric population before and after various quality improvement interventions. Prospective data collection was undertaken over 18 months, divided into three separate 6-month periods: June to November 2019; March to August 2021; January to June 2022. These periods relate to evaluation of specific quality improvement interventions. The project was carried out in a large tertiary referral obstetric unit. We identified 401 pregnant women (> 20 weeks' gestation) and postnatal women (up to 48 h post delivery) undergoing an obstetric surgical procedure under general anaesthesia. To standardise practice, an intubation checklist was introduced in December 2020 and multidisciplinary staff training in August 2021. Primary outcome measures were use of a Macintosh-style videolaryngoscope and tracheal intubation success. Secondary outcome measures were use of an intubation checklist; low flow nasal oxygen; and ramped patient positioning. Data from 334 tracheal intubations (83.3% of cases) were recorded. Videolaryngoscope use increased from 60% in 2019, to 88% in 2021, to 94% in 2022. Tracheal intubation was successful in all patients, with 94% first pass success overall and only 0.9% requiring three attempts. Use of secondary outcome measures also increased: low flow nasal oxygen from 48% in 2019 to 90% in 2022; ramped positioning from 95% in 2021 to 97% in 2022; and checklist use from 63% in 2021 to 92% in 2022. We describe the successful adoption of simple safety measures introduced into routine practice. These comprised videolaryngoscopy, ramped positioning and low flow nasal oxygen. Their introduction was supported by the implementation of an intubation checklist and multidisciplinary team training.

COMPLICATIONS OF SPINAL ANESTHESIA FOR SCHEDULED SURGERY EXPERIENCE OF THE MILITARY HOSPITAL MOULAY ISMAIL MEKNES

Spinal anesthesia is a widely practiced technique in anesthesia, it has advantages compared to general anesthesia. It requires little equipment and anesthetic drugs and is therefore inexpensive. Spinal anesthesia, like any medical act, is associated with certain accidents, and its complications, although rare, are becoming more and more a concern for anesthesia specialists. Our work focuses on the practice of spinal anesthesia in the operating room of the Moulay Ismail Military Hospital of Meknes (HMMIM) and especially on the morbidity and mortality due to this type of anesthesia. In addition, the objectives of our work are: - To report the incidence of this anesthetic practice. - To study the incidents and or intraoperative complications of spinal anesthesia (Morbi-mortality). - To compare our results with the data in the literature. The 5010 patients who underwent scheduled surgery under spinal anesthesia with an age ranging from 14 to 70 with a predominance of male 3557 cases or 71% against 1451 female cases or 29% (sex ratio 2.45). In our study series 38.90% had arterial hypertension in their history, 32.4% were diabetic, 13.20% had liver disease, 7.3% had renal failure, 5.5% had thromboembolic disease, 1.75% had psychiatric disorders, 1.40% were followed in oncology. 3206 cases were classified ASA I or 64%, 1102 cases ASA II or 22% and 701 cases ASA III or 14%. The puncture was performed in the sitting position in 3714 cases (74.14%) and in the lateral decubitus position in 1296 cases (25.85%). In our series 468 patients presented intraoperative complications including arterial hypotension, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting, failure and conversion to general anesthesia, impossible approach and cardio respiratory arrest. While the complications and risks are extremely rare, given their seriousness, prevention requires mastery of the technique, respect for simple safety measures, knowledge of the pharmacology of the products used, detection of prodromal signs announcing serious complications and rapid management of these manifestations. Rigor in the choice of the technique according to the clinic but also to the terrain must be the rule.

A Review of Mortality Analyses and Life Safety in an Indian Context

This discussion paper on death presents an analysis of the causes of irretrievable mortality in the Indian context. It traces the local-to-global connection by depicting the current scenario and future perspectives. It deals with various aspects of death to provide a broader overview and outlines the various actions required to improve it. Analysis of the mortality data illustrates the inadequacy of present efforts to address the problem of death due to avoidable causes. A better understanding of the relationship between a vast number of unnatural deaths and the personal safety and healthcare precautions as they are practiced will lead us to conclude that different activities performed with a better presence of mind can extend the span of human existence in general. Analyses through intensive scientific research and careful examination through cross-pollination of inspiring ideas, proper perspectives, and a positive orientation to imagine a better future will enable people to fulfill what they want and need in their diverse contexts. The retrospective analysis of the data indicates that the mortality rate can be reduced by simple safety measures while traveling through the changing political landscape and achieving long-term sustainable development. Living a healthy lifestyle and following standard operating procedures during a pandemic like COVID-19 could make a difference in the lives of millions as health and safety remain primary concerns.

Pediatrik yanıklar ve yanık yaralanmalarının önde gelen etkenleri

Objective: Burn trauma is an important health problem especially in children who are mostly the affected group as they are not fully capable of protecting themselves from injuries. The aim of this study is to present the clinical features of preschool pediatric burn patients treated in our tertiary reference burn center and highlight the main factors leading to burn injury. Material and Methods: This study was conducted between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2021 in our tertiary burn center. A total of 123 patients at preschool age who were hospitalized are included in this cross-sectional study. The clinical features, burn etiology and the environmental factors leading to burn injury were obtained from patient files, hospital registry and face to face interviews with parents of hospitalized children. Results: The mean age of the study population was 2.40±1.3 years. The etiology of burn was mainly scalds (%87.8) followed by flame (%10.6) and electrical burns (%1.6). Among the patients 81 (%65.9) of them were living in urban area, 32 (%26) in rural area and 10 (%8.1) in tents or refugee camps. The household population was 5.53±2.3. The children were not alone (%84.6) during the burn injury and in %54.5 of cases the kitchen was the place of injury. Conclusion: Overcrowded conditions were prominent among the patients. Although there was an adult nearby at the time of injury there was lack of supervision by the caregiver. The burns are likely to occur in the kitchen where unsafe cooking and dining on the floor takes place. Therefore preventive strategies are required to imply the importance of simple safety measures for safe cooking and dining if the children cannot be kept away from the kitchen

Sociodemographic factors and living conditions of pediatric burn patients

Background Children are the age group most vulnerable to burn injuries. Socioeconomic factors and the living environment, including the poor living conditions faced by refugees, may contribute to the occurrence of burns.
 Objectives To compare living conditions and socioeconomic status potentially contributing to burn injury, characteristics, access to medical treatment, and integrated preventive measures between children of Turkish families and Syrian refugees with burn injuries.
 Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recorded demographic and epidemiological features, mechanism of burn injury, as well as living- and socioeconomic conditions from interviews with parents of children hospitalized in the Burn Center of the University of Health Sciences Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey. We classified patients into Turkish (host country) and Syrian (refugee) children.
 Results We studied 42 Turkish and 31 Syrian children with burn injuries. The most common heat source was a stove (93.2%) and the most common place of the accident was the kitchen (45.2%). Maternal education (P=0.022), house ownership (P<0.001), number of rooms in the house (P=0.001), number of household members (P=0.007), number of persons per room (P<0.001), and place of heat source (P=0.009) differed significantly between Turkish and Syrian patients. Mean number of household members was 5.38 persons (SD 1.0) and 6.81 persons (SD 0.9) in Turkish and Syrian patients, respectively (P=0.007).
 Conclusion Low socioeconomic status with overcrowded living conditions is prominent in both groups. Burns are likely to occur in the kitchen and incited by a stove. Preventive strategies are needed to educate families on the importance of simple safety measures in the house.

The epidemiological characteristics and visual outcome of open globe eye injuries in Palestine: a retrospective chart review study

BackgroundIn Palestine, there are frequent eye injuries but there is a scarcity of studies—data on prevalence, causes, risk factors, and the visual outcomes are inadequate. This study aimed to describe the magnitude, causes, burden, and visual outcomes of open globe eye injuries in Palestine, and to identify people at risk through distribution analysis of the injured patients by age, sex, and area of residency. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, based on a review of all 413 patient files of cases of open globe eye injury undergoing surgical repair at St John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem, between January, 2000, and December, 2005. Ethics approval was obtained from the St John Eye hospital Ethical Committee. FindingsPatients were from all of the districts of Palestine. The mean age of the injured patients was 16·5 years (SD 14·1), with males comprising 82% of the study population. The eye injuries were analysed in three groups. Injuriesin preschool children (age 1–6 years) formed 28% of cases (116 of 413); the school-age group (age 7–18 years) was the largest category (39% of cases; 161 of 413); and the adult group (19 years and older) accounted for 33% of cases (136 of 413). For the school-age group, 15% (62 of 161) of eye injuries took place outdoors. Accidents accounted for 21% (35 of 161) of injuries in the group, whereas 12% (20 of 161) occurred owing to violence (for example, personal quarrels with injuries caused by fists, nails, sticks, and stones), and 12% (19 out of 161) were related to the second intifada (for example, due to rubber bullets, gun shots, explosions, and shrapnel from military action). For the adult group, 51% of eye injuries (69 of 136) occurred in the workplace, 21% (29 of 136) were caused by intifada, 14% (19 of 136) were caused by violence, 8% (11 of 136) occurred by accidents, and 6% were from unknown causes. Visual outcomes were measured after best correction (with surgery and with glasses); 21% (85 of 413) of all patients were left with a visual impairment, 21% (87 of 413) became blind, and 11% (47 of 413) lost an eye. InterpretationOpen globe eye injuries in Palestine have serious consequences, including visual impairment, blindness, and removal of the injured eye. However, this substantial impact on the patients' quality of life might be prevented by simple safety measures, legislative policies, and regulations. This study is cross-sectional in design and based on file abstraction; further studies should consider visual outcomes and preventive measures to minimise the risk of eye injuries. FundingNone.

Electrocution Related Mortality: A 11 year Retrospective Study

Background: Electricity is a fundamental part of the modern civilized community. Electrical burns are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality and are usually preventable with simple safety measures. In India, the voltage of domestic supply is usually 220 V to 240 V. Death due to electrocution are rare at less than 100 V and most of deaths occur at voltages above 200 V. Majority of the electrical injuries are as a result of ignorance, misuse or carelessness. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and observational study, which was conducted in tertiary care teaching institutes in Western India. The study includes 89 deceased persons died due to electrocution brought for postmortem examination. Result: The majority of the victims were male (77, 86.52%) as compared with female (12; 13.48%) and the male: female ratio was 6.41:1. The most common age group involved was 21–30 years (30.34%). The upper extremity was by far the most common site involved (71deaths; 79.78%) followed by the lower extremity (25,28.09%). Most of deaths were caused most frequently by accidental touching of electrical wires (29 cases, 32.58%) Conclusion: Electrocution deaths comprised 1.53% of the total autopsy cases conducted during the study period. Prevention is the gold standard and it can be achieved with proper awareness about handling of electrical appliances.

Getting the LV lead to the right spot.

Getting the LV lead to the right spot.

Electrocution-related mortality in northern India – A 5-year retrospective study

Background and aimElectrical burns are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which are usually preventable with simple safety measures. MethodsAn observational retrospective study of non-lightening electrocution deaths was conducted in Lucknow, India between 2008 and 2012. ResultsOut of 83 deaths, 71 investigated were accidental and the rest were suicidal. The age range was 11months to 75years with a mean age of 28.9±12.5years. About 65 (78%) were males and the rest were females. The upper extremity was the most frequently involved contact site in 51 deaths (61%). No electrical burn marks were present in 10 (11.9%) cases. Work-related accidents were responsible for 49 cases of deaths (59%) and home accidents for 19 cases of deaths (22.9%). Deaths were caused most frequently by touching an electrical wire (35 cases, 41.9%). There was an increase in electrocution deaths in the months of July–September (32 cases, 39%). About 50 cases (60.7%) were dead at the scene of the accident and 33 cases (31.9%) were dead on arrival at the hospital. The unique findings of this study include 12 cases (14.4%) of suicidal electrocution and a high rate of work-related accidental electrocution. ConclusionDeath rates from electrocution among all medico-legal deaths were found to be lower in this study than in previous reports, most of them were work-related and preventable. Workers and their employers should be educated to avoid such accidents with safety measures.

Pediatric Electrical Burn Injuries

A retrospective review of all patients admitted between February 2004 and December 2009, with a diagnosis of burns associated with electrocution, was conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Data regarding type of electrocution and associated burns were collected. Of the 36 patients identified, 31 (86%) were shocked by electrical current, and 5 (14%) by lightning. Most burns associated with current were first degree (58%). The upper limbs, most frequently the wrist and arm (n = 23), were injured in 26 patients, and the lower limb in 2 patients, whereas 3 patients suffered multiple sites of injury. Twenty-eight patients were treated conservatively with dressings and minor surgical interventions such as debridement and primary repair. The remainder required excision and/or grafting. Fasciotomy and/or escharotomy were performed in 2 patients, and no one required amputation. Burns associated with electrical injuries remain a worldwide problem, responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. They can usually be prevented through simple safety measures. An effective prevention program would help address this problem.

Rock Climbing Rescues: Causes, Injuries, and Trends in Boulder County, Colorado

To describe rates and patterns of rock climbing rescue incidents, morbidity and mortality in Boulder County, CO. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group incident reports from 1998 to 2011 were reviewed to provide a 14-year statistical account of rock climbing incidents. Rock climbing rescues in Boulder accounted for 428 of a total of 2198 (19.5%) mountain and wilderness rescue victims. Most rock climbing victims were male (78%), and 46% of victims were between the ages of 20 and 29 years; most rock climbing incidents occurred on weekend days (median time of 3:30 pm) during the spring, summer, and autumn. Technical roped climbers accounted for 58% of climbing victims, whereas unroped climbers accounted for 34%. Belay incidents accounted for 12% of climbing victims, whereas rock fall incidents accounted for 4.5% of victims. Most victims were uninjured (43% stranded or lost), whereas lower extremity injuries were the most common injury (29.5% of injured victims). A total of 5.5% of climbing victims were fatally injured (23 victims: 5 from lead falls and 9 from unroped falls). The occurrence of rock climbing-related rescue victims comprised one fifth of all rescue victims in Boulder County. A large fraction of incidents and fatalities resulted from unroped climbing. Incidents of lost or uninjured stranded climbers and belay incidents account for more than half of victims, which can likely be prevented by gaining appropriate experience, seeking local information, and applying some simple safety measures for control of rope belays.

Electrical fatalities in Ankara over 11 years

Electrical injuries are still responsible for significant morbidity and mortality; however, they are generally preventable with simple safety measures. This study Abstracts to determine the general features of electrical fatalities, and to draw attention of health professionals towards such preventable deaths. Materials and methods: A retrospective evaluation of records of electrocution-related deaths in Ankara, Turkey, was conducted over 11 years (1998-2008). Results: Out of 12,263 autopsy cases, 100 (0.8%) were secondary to electrocution. Most of the victims were male (n = 94; 94%) while only 6 were female. Victims’ age ranged from 1 year to 76 years, with a mean age of 33.5 years. Entry lesions were localized on the upper extremities in the majority of cases (n = 74; 74%). However, no electrical lesions were found in 3 cases. Of all cases, 71 (71%) occurred as occupational accidents, mostly seen in workplaces. There was an increase in electrical fatalities in the summer (n = 58, 58%). Accompanying traumatic lesions were detected in 30 (30%) cases. All of the deaths were recorded as accidental except for one suicidal death. Conclusion: The overwhelming majority of electrical fatalities were occupational-related, which were mostly preventable. Proper installation and maintenance of electrical devices will help to tackle electrical injuries at home and in the workplace. Additionally, educational programs for workers and employers should be provided and public and occupational safety measures should be promoted by the authorities.

Electrocution-related mortality: a retrospective review of 118 deaths in Coimbatore, India, between January 2002 and December 2006

Electrical injuries currently remain a worldwide problem. These injuries are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, but are usually preventable with simple safety measures. A retrospective study was undertaken of deaths due to electrocution that occurred over a five-year period from January 2002 to December 2006. The bodies were autopsied at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 118 cases were identified and all were accidental: 107 males (91%) and 11 females (9%) (male:female ratio = 9.72). The majority of deaths occurred in the 21-30 year age group (n = 57, 48%). Most deaths (n = 98; 83%) were due to low-voltage circuits (< 1000 V); a minority were due to high voltages (n = 20, 17%). Domestic accidents were responsible in 73 cases (61.86%). Deaths were caused most frequently by touching an electric wire (n = 62; 52.54%). Most deaths occurred in the summer (n = 50; 42%) with the lowest number of deaths occurring in winter. There was no electrical contact mark present in eight cases (6.7%). One hundred and four cases (88%) were dead on arrival at hospital. The most common cause of death was cardiac arrest, followed by septicaemia and renal failure. Congestion of the brain and oedematous lungs were frequent non-specific postmortem findings.

An Unusual Cause of Death at Preschool Age

Scalding is one of the most painful and devastating burn injuries a child can suffer. Victims are generally scalded by splashed or spilled hot fluids in the home environment. Interestingly, scalding by hot milk is a common cause of burns in rural parts of Turkey. This study aimed to identify the general features of scalding by hot milk, and to make the authorities aware of this problem through educational programs for parents and caregivers.The records of the Council of Forensic Medicine Adana Group Administration and public prosecutor's office were used. Forty-four deaths in children of preschool age (under 6) due to scalding by hot milk during 2001-2005 were analyzed.Scalding with hot milk constituted 1.05% of all medico-legal deaths (4183) during the period considered. Twenty-five (56.81%) of the victims were male while 19 (43.19%) were female. The victims' ages ranged between 18 months and 6 years, with a mean age of 3.03.Scalding by hot milk appears to be an important public health problem, especially in rural areas of Turkey. Educational programs for families and caregivers and implementation of simple safety measures will decrease the prevalence of deaths due to such preventable injuries.

Electrocution-Related Mortality: A Review of 123 Deaths in Diyarbakir, Turkey between 1996 and 2002

Electrical burns are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, and are usually preventable with simple safety measures. We conducted a retrospective study of non-lightening electrocution deaths in Diyarbakir, Turkey between 1996 and 2002. All 123 deaths investigated were accidental. The age range was 2 to 63 years with a mean age of 20.7 +/- 15.3 years. Eighty-six victims (69.9%) were male. The upper extremity was the most frequently involved contact site in 96 deaths (48%). No electrical burn mark was present in 14 (11.4%) cases. Home accidents were responsible for 56 cases deaths (45.5%). Deaths were caused most frequently by touching an electrical wire (52 cases, 42.3%). There was an increase in electrocution deaths in the summer (47 cases, 38.2%). One hundred one cases (82.1%) were dead on arrival at hospital. The unique findings of our study include younger age (0-10 years) of victims (39 cases, 31.7%) and a means of electrocution (electrical water heaters in bathroom) in 23 cases (18.7%). Rate of deaths due to electrocution among all medicolegal deaths was found higher in our study than in previous studies. The public should be educated to prevent children to play near electrical appliances and to avoid electrical heaters in the bathroom.

Essential questions regarding data, backups and online backups

As dental offices switch from traditional paper records to electronic records, data safety becomes a concern. Simple safety measures such as off-site data backup should be considered by dental offices that have electronic records. Loss of practice data such as patient charts, financial records and the appointment schedule could result in serious damage to a dental practice. Electronic computer records can be safeguarded using a backup system. There are several acceptable backup systems that have different benefits and shortcomings. Online backup is the newest backup method, and it offers some significant improvements over older systems. By understanding why data need to be backed up, what data need to be backed up and how to back them up, dental practices can protect their practice data properly. Failure to follow proper backup procedures could result in significant loss.

Woodstoves uncovered: a paediatric problem

Objectives: To document and describe the effects of woodstove burns in children. To identify how these accidents occur so that a prevention strategy can be devised. Design, Patients and Setting: Retrospective departmental database and case note review of all children with woodstove burns seen at the Burns Unit of a Tertiary Referral Children’s Hospital between January 1997 and September 2001. Main outcome measures: Number and ages of children burned; circumstances of the accidents; injuries sustained; treatment required and long-term sequelae. Results: Eleven children, median age 1.0 year, sustained burns, usually to the hands, of varying thickness. Two children required skin grafting and five required scar therapy. Seven children intentionally placed their hands onto the outside of the stove. In all children, burns occurred despite adult supervision. Conclusions: Woodstoves are a cause of burns in children. These injuries are associated with significant morbidity and financial costs. Through public education, woodstove burns can easily be prevented utilising simple safety measures.

Causes and patterns of injury from ladder falls.

To review all ladder fall injuries seen in a community ED and to identify patterns of injury, factors that contribute to falls, and what pre-event and event factors could have reduced the likelihood of a fall or a resulting injury. This was a retrospective, observational study involving patients who presented to a community hospital ED from January 1993 through December 1995 with injuries from a ladder fall. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. Patients then underwent a structured telephone interview to provide additional information about the circumstances of the fall. There were 59 patients who sustained injuries relating to ladder falls. All were adults, aged > 18 years (mean 42.9 +/- 16.2 years), were predominantly male (93%), and had fallen a distance of 1-15 feet (mean 7.2 +/- 3.6 feet). Thirteen percent were admitted to the hospital, and there was 1 death. Fractures were observed in 21 patients (36%) and usually involved an extremity (77%). There was no relationship between the distance fallen and the occurrence of fracture. Other primary injuries included sprain (27%), contusion (24%), laceration (10%), abrasion (3%), and subdural hematoma (2%). Of the 59 patients, 42 (71%) were contacted directly. Most falls (79%) resulted from excessive reaching or incorrect ladder placement. Fifty percent of the described falls were occupationally related. Falls from ladders, both in the occupational and nonoccupational settings, often result in significant injury. Simple safety measures may have prevented the majority of falls in this study. Public health efforts should emphasize education on safe ladder practices and techniques to reduce the possibility of injury in the event of a fall.

Acute Sexual Assault Among Adolescents

Background Acute sexual assault among adolescents has been linked to risk taking behaviors and may often be preventable through simple safety measures. Additionally, post-assault, trauma-specific follow up is an important step in the prevention of chronic behavioral and physical sequelae related to the assault. The purpose of this study is to provide descriptive data on acute sexual assaults among adolescents that might provide direction for prevention efforts and interventions to assist in the recovery process. Methods Adolescents who experience an acute sexual assault and have been voluntarily sexually active in the past are evaluated by the adult sexual assault team and are referred to a multidisciplinary specialty clinic for follow up related to their assault. Records from all acute sexual assault evidentiary examinations and sexual assault follow up evaluations from May 1994 through September 1996 were abstracted into a computer database from which the following descriptive analysis was generated. Results 134 adolescents. ages 12 to 19 presented for an acute sexual assault examination. The average age of the victim was 15.6 ± 1.8 years while the average age of the assailant was 22.3 ± 6.9 years with a mode age of 19 (range 13–47). The mean age difference between victim and assailant was 6.6 ± 6.8 years. Many assaults ocurred at either the victim's home (17.7%) or the assailant's home (25.4%), and 14.6% occurred in a car or other vehicle. There was one assailant in 79.9% of assaults and 2 or more assailants in 20.1%. Only 17.2% of assailants were strangers to the victim, while 37.3% were acquaintances. 41.0% friends or partners, and 4.5% were relatives. Most victims were vaginally assaulted (88.0%); 7.5% were anally assaulted and 12.6% experienced forced fellatio. Victims admitted to voluntary use of alcohol or drugs in 34.6% of assaults, and 12.2% stated that the “assault” was actually consensual sexual activity. One-third of all assaults occurred between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. and another peak occurrance was noted between 3 p.m and 6 p.m. (11.2%). Of all adolescent victims who underwent an acute examination, only 34.8% were compliant with their scheduled follow up visit. There were no demographic or asault characteristics predicting compliance with follow up except the presence of traumatic injury at the time of the acute examination (p Conclusions Adolescents are sexually assaulted by significantly older males and often in unprotected or unsupervised settings. Peak occurrences are during late night and after school hours and often in association with alcohol and drug use. The importance of follow up should be stressed to all adolescent rape victims and measures to increase rates of follow up are needed.

Determination of intramuscular fat in beef by means of extraction with chloroform-methanol

In a comparison on samples of muscular substance from 53 fattening bulls the extraction of intramuscular fat with a chloroform-methanol mixture yielded results about 1.23% higher than those obtained with the extraction with diethyl ether. This difference results from the extraction of additional water-soluble nitrogenous compounds by the chloroform-methanol mixture. These compounds were isolated by adding water to the chloroform-methanol extract; their analysis by means of chemical and spectroscopic methods revealed, among other compounds, creatinine and threonine. The fat values obtained for the ether extract were closely correlated with those found for the chloroform-methanol extract (r = 0.925). In a variant where water was added to the chloroform-methanol extract, the correlation was less close (r = 0.925). In a variant where water was added to the chloroform-methanol extract, the correlation was less close (r = 0.660). The chloroform-methanol extraction may be used instead of the ether extraction. A regression calculated from the present data permits, if required, to convert the values thus obtained into the values yielded by the ether extraction method. Apart from its high precision, the chloroform-methanol extraction has the special advantage that it requires relatively simple safety measures and that its energy demand is low.