The Potential of Iodized Cadaveric Thumb Fingerprints as Markers of Perfusion Completion During Embalming: An Experimental Observational Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The formalin-based method of embalming is the most common procedure employed for the preservation of cadavers in most medical schools of South Asia. The adequacy of perfusion of formalin through the cadaveric tissues would aptly mark the time of completion of embalming. However, there is currently no objective evidence to justify the endpoint of perfusion in embalming. This study addressed the aforementioned problem by utilizing cadaveric thumb fingerprints coated with a modified iodine-based solution that indicated the completion of perfusion during embalming.

METHODS: Cadaveric thumb fingerprints and thumb nail plates coated with a modified solution of iodine offered a medium wherein the color changes of perfusion were observed from pale brown to colorless.

RESULTS: The color changes at the fingerprints and nail plates coincided with the onset of lip stiffness and confirmed the completion of perfusion based on their consistency in all the cadavers.

CONCLUSIONS: The iodine-based method of color change could definitely serve as a marker of perfusion during embalming.