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Neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 by anatomical embalming solutions
Fabio Quondamatteo1, Dora E Corzo-Leon2, Cecilia Brassett3
1Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
Journal of Anatomy
|October 11, 2021
Summary
Human cadaveric anatomy teaching was disrupted by COVID-19. Testing confirmed that common embalming solutions effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2, enabling safe resumption of anatomy education and body donation programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Virology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Human cadavers are crucial for gross anatomy teaching in medical and biomedical programs.
- The COVID-19 pandemic halted body donation programs due to concerns about SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Limited data existed on the efficacy of embalming solutions against SARS-CoV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the virucidal activity of common embalming solutions against SARS-CoV-2.
- To determine if embalming can safely neutralize the virus for cadaveric teaching.
Main Methods:
- Twenty commonly used embalming solutions were tested.
- An established cytotoxicity assay was employed to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 neutralization.
- The study focused on solutions used in UK and Ireland institutions.
Main Results:
- All tested embalming solutions demonstrated the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2.
- Most solutions were effective even at high working dilutions.
- SARS-CoV-2 was neutralized by the tested embalming agents.
Conclusions:
- Embalming solutions effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2.
- This neutralization facilitates the safe resumption of body donation programs.
- Cadaveric anatomy teaching can safely recommence with these validated embalming protocols.
