What type of anticoagulant is used in embalming fluids?

In embalming fluids, methanol or other glycol derivatives are commonly used as anticoagulants. These substances help prevent the coagulation of blood, which allows for better fluid distribution throughout the body tissues. Anticoagulants in embalming fluids are essential to ensure that the blood remains in a liquid state, facilitating the exchange of embalming chemicals with the body's fluids.

Heparin or vitamin K, while associated with blood clotting and coagulation processes, are not standard components in embalming fluids. Calcium carbonate is typically used as a buffering agent but does not serve as an anticoagulant. Saline solution, while useful for other purposes, does not function as an anticoagulant in the context of embalming.

Therefore, the choice of methanol or other glycol derivatives aligns with the essential requirements of embalming fluid composition, ensuring effective preservation and distribution of the embalming agents.