Plastination of Archival Human Fetuses: Anatomical Preservation, Microbiological Safety, 3D Reconstruction, Ethical Considerations and Educational Impact in Obstetrics and Childcare Career Students

Plastination is widely used to preserve adult and juvenile cadavers, but its effectiveness in fetal specimens requires further validation. This study aimed to plastinate human fetuses from an archival collection that had been stored in 10% formalin. It evaluated the microbiological safety of the specimens after handling and storage, and assessed their educational impact on first-year students in the Obstetrics and Childcare program. The plastination protocol involved cold acetone dehydration, vacuum-based silicone impregnation, and anatomical positioning to ensure structural fidelity. Microbiological analysis using MALDI-TOF confirmed the absence of fungal and bacterial contamination, supporting the biosafety of plastinated fetuses during repeated handling. The specimens were used in hands-on sessions with first-year obstetrics students, who completed a satisfaction survey reporting high levels of engagement, improved understanding of fetal development, and increased confidence in identifying key anatomical structures. Additionally, 3D reconstruction of one plastinated fetus was performed to illustrate the potential of digital technologies for future anatomical education. The study also addresses ethical considerations related to the use of archival fetal collections, emphasizing the importance of responsible preservation practices and the potential of plastination and 3D reconstruction to reduce dependence on original specimens while upholding educational and ethical standards.