Latex Injection
DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL ANATOMY
LMMS
S KHARWA
DESCRIPTION OF LATEX

Latex is a milky fluid produced by some trees ,
especially the rubber tree.

Its artificial substance similar to rubber.

Latex is supplied in liquid form uncolored with
the appearance and consistency of milk.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF LATEX

Latex is kept in a an alkaline medium and will
solidify when it is converted to an acid medium.

It will also solidify when it dries out .

It will also solidify when it is kept at low
temperatures.

It will also solidify when placed under high
pressure
STORAGE OF LATEX
PURPOSE OF LATEX INJECTION

To easily identify blood vessels

Makes arteries and veins more prominent.

It facilitates and makes dissection of the vessels
easier.

Also displays excellent architecture when the
specimen is to be X-rayed or studied under a
microscope.
EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS USED

Pressure pump

Electrical chemical mixer (for larger quantities of
latex).

Liquid latex

Eocene colourant

Ammonia
PRESSURE PUMP WITH VESSEL FOR
LATEX
PROCESS OF LATEX INJECTION

When latex is injected into the arteries , it should
be done 2 weeks after embalming.

Latex injected is coloured red for the arteries or
blue for veins after embalming.

After injection the latex solidifies after a week or
two and then imparts a red colour to the arteries
and blue to the veins.

These vessels are now “ full form” and robust and
can withstand the rigours of dissection therafter.
PROCESS OF LATEX INJECTION,
(CONTINUED)

About 1L of latex is sufficient for an adult
cadaver and injection.

Prior to injection of latex 20-30mls of dilute
Ammonia is injected to clear the vessels

Latex injection then follows and a simple
pasteurized bottle with a delivery tube
originating from under the surface of the
contents is used for this purpose.
PRESSURE CONTROL DURING LATEX
INJECTION

A positive pressure of 1 Kpa will be sufficient for
the latex injection.

A higher pressure can be used to provide more
complete distribution into the finer vessels.

The same artery used for the embalming is also
used for the latex injection.
COMPLETION OF LATEX INJECTION
The cadaver should be ready for dissection in
about 4-6 weeks following injection during which
the latex would have time to set.
 Cadavers following latex injection that are not
used immediately for dissection must be sealed
in a plastic bag with anti fungal agents .
 Furthermore they must be regularly checked for
fungus.
