UV-C Irradiation Reduces the Experimentally Induced Bacterial Load on the Surface of a Human Cadaver: An Additional Option for the Preservation of Cadavers in Anatomy

Abstract

Safety is a major issue in the embalming procedures of human cadavers. Reduced application of formaldehyde is often recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the potency of ultraviolet light (UV-C irradiation) on the bacterial load on the surface of a conserved human cadaver. To test UV-C irradiation, the cadaver was laid out in the dissection hall and, after preparation of the muscles, was covered with linen sheets moistened with water. Swabs of the surface and microbiological analysis revealed sporadic bacterial colonies. The surface area was then spiked with bacteria and irradiated by a UV lamp for 15 or 60 min. Half of the area was covered by aluminum foil to serve as a control. After exposition, swabs were taken and analyzed. The exposition had reduced the number of colonies to one third (15 min exposition) and to one tenth (60 min exposition) of the control area. Thus, UV-C irradiation could be used in the preservation of cadavers without chemical pollution of the environment and without any risk for the employees. Clin. Anat. 32:113–116, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.