.emb-calc-container {
max-width: 600px;
margin: 20px auto;
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
background: #f8f9fa;
border: 1px solid #e9ecef;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 30px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.emb-calc-container h3 {
text-align: center;
color: #2c3e50;
margin-top: 0;
border-bottom: 2px solid #34495e;
padding-bottom: 10px;
}
.emb-input-group {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.emb-input-group label {
display: block;
font-weight: 600;
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #495057;
}
.emb-input-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 12px;
border: 1px solid #ced4da;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box; /* Important for padding */
}
.emb-btn {
width: 100%;
background-color: #34495e;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 15px;
font-size: 18px;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background-color 0.3s;
}
.emb-btn:hover {
background-color: #2c3e50;
}
.emb-results {
margin-top: 25px;
background-color: #ffffff;
border: 1px solid #dee2e6;
border-radius: 4px;
padding: 20px;
display: none;
}
.emb-result-item {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
margin-bottom: 10px;
padding-bottom: 10px;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
}
.emb-result-item:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
padding-bottom: 0;
}
.emb-result-label {
font-weight: 500;
color: #6c757d;
}
.emb-result-value {
font-weight: 700;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.emb-info-text {
font-size: 0.9em;
color: #6c757d;
margin-top: 5px;
}
/* Article Styles */
.emb-article {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 40px auto;
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
}
.emb-article h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.emb-article ul {
background: #fdfdfd;
padding: 20px 40px;
border-left: 4px solid #34495e;
}
.emb-article .formula-box {
background-color: #eef2f5;
padding: 15px;
text-align: center;
font-weight: bold;
border-radius: 5px;
margin: 20px 0;
font-family: 'Courier New', monospace;
}
function calculateEmbalming() {
// Get input values
var weight = document.getElementById('bodyWeight').value;
var index = document.getElementById('fluidIndex').value;
var strength = document.getElementById('desiredStrength').value;
// Validation
if (!weight || !index || !strength || weight <= 0 || index <= 0 || strength <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.");
return;
}
weight = parseFloat(weight);
index = parseFloat(index);
strength = parseFloat(strength);
// Logic based on the "1 Gallon per 50 lbs" rule
// 1. Calculate Total Volume required (V')
var totalGallons = weight / 50;
var totalOunces = totalGallons * 128; // 128 oz in a gallon
// 2. Calculate Amount of Arterial Fluid needed (V)
// Formula: C x V = C' x V'
// V = (C' x V') / C
var fluidNeededOz = (strength * totalOunces) / index;
// 3. Calculate Water needed (Diluent)
var waterNeededOz = totalOunces – fluidNeededOz;
var waterNeededGal = waterNeededOz / 128;
// 4. Calculate Bottles (Standard 16oz bottle)
var bottlesNeeded = fluidNeededOz / 16;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resTotalGal').innerHTML = totalGallons.toFixed(2) + " Gallons (" + totalOunces.toFixed(0) + " oz)";
document.getElementById('resFluidOz').innerHTML = fluidNeededOz.toFixed(1) + " oz";
document.getElementById('resWaterOz').innerHTML = waterNeededOz.toFixed(1) + " oz (" + waterNeededGal.toFixed(2) + " gal)";
document.getElementById('resBottles').innerHTML = bottlesNeeded.toFixed(1) + " Bottles";
// Show result div
document.getElementById('embResults').style.display = "block";
}
Comprehensive Guide to Embalming Dilution Calculations
In mortuary science, precision is paramount. The Embalming Dilution Calculator is designed to assist funeral directors and embalmers in determining the exact ratios of arterial fluid and water required to achieve a specific primary dilution strength. Proper chemical balance is essential for effective preservation and restoration of the deceased.
Understanding the Formula: C x V = C' x V'
This calculator utilizes the standard equation taught in mortuary schools worldwide to determine the strength of the solution injected into the body. This is known as the Primary Dilution.
C x V = C' x V'
- C (Index): The concentration of the arterial fluid in the bottle. This is provided by the manufacturer (e.g., 20, 25, 30, 36 index). An index of 25 means the fluid contains 25 grams of formaldehyde gas per 100ml of solution.
- V (Volume of Fluid): The amount of arterial fluid (in ounces) you need to pour into the tank. This is usually the variable you are solving for.
- C' (Desired Strength): The percentage of formaldehyde concentration you wish to achieve in the tank (primary dilution). Standard cases often range from 1.5% to 2.5%, while difficult cases (edema, decomposition) may require higher strengths.
- V' (Total Volume): The total volume of solution in the tank (water + fluid). A common rule of thumb is 1 gallon of total solution for every 50 lbs of body weight.
How to Calculate Total Solution Volume
Before determining how much fluid to add, you must estimate the total volume of solution required to thoroughly embalm the body. While every case presents unique variables, the "50-pound rule" provides a solid baseline:
The Rule of Thumb: 1 Gallon of solution for every 50 lbs of body weight.
For example, a deceased individual weighing 150 lbs would theoretically require 3 gallons (384 ounces) of total solution. However, factors such as dehydration, edema, and the post-mortem interval will dictate adjustments to this volume.
Calculating Water vs. Fluid
Once you know your Total Volume (V') and your Desired Strength (C'), and you have selected a fluid with a specific Index (C), you can calculate the ounces of fluid (V) needed.
Example: You have a 200lb body (Requires 4 Gallons / 512 oz). You use a 25 Index fluid and want a 2% solution strength.
Calculation: (2.0% × 512 oz) ÷ 25 Index = 40.96 oz of Arterial Fluid.
To find the water amount, simply subtract the fluid amount from the total volume: 512 oz – 40.96 oz = 471.04 oz of water.
Safety and Best Practices
While this calculator provides mathematical precision, the embalmer's professional judgment is irreplaceable. Always consider:
- Condition of the Body: Bodies with edema (excess moisture) require a stronger solution (higher C') to prevent secondary dilution in the tissues. Dehydrated bodies may require a lower strength with humectants.
- Safety: Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling formaldehyde-based chemicals.
- Secondary Dilution: Remember that the "Primary Dilution" occurs in the tank. "Secondary Dilution" occurs when the solution mixes with bodily fluids inside the vascular system.