How does hard water affect blood during the embalming process?

Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium ions. During the embalming process, these minerals can cause blood to clot more easily. This occurs because the positive ions in hard water can interact with proteins in the blood, promoting clot formation. Clotting can complicate the embalming procedure as it may prevent the effective drainage of blood and hinder the uniform distribution of embalming fluid throughout the body.

Embalmers strive for a clear vascular system to ensure that the embalming fluid adequately penetrates body tissues. When hard water is present, the natural coagulation process of blood is intensified, leading to the promotion of blood clots. Understanding the effect of water hardness is critical for embalmers to achieve the desired preservation results, as it impacts the choice of fluids and the overall technique used during the embalming process.