MORTUARY REFRIGERATION · COLD STORAGE
Mortuary refrigeration keeps the deceased at a controlled low temperature when the funeral cannot take place immediately. It is used when relatives are travelling from abroad, during repatriation preparations, or when the burial date must be arranged around other commitments. We provide cold storage and coordinate everything else — collection, preparation, and onward transport.
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A mortuary refrigerator is a unit that holds the body at 2–4 °C, slowing the natural processes after death. This allows the funeral to be delayed by several days while maintaining the required sanitary standards.
It is used when an immediate funeral is not possible — for relatives travelling in, for repatriation preparation, or for scheduling reasons. For short delays, cold storage is the standard alternative to embalming.
Cold storage becomes necessary whenever more than a day or two pass between death and the funeral:
The body is placed in a temperature-controlled refrigerated unit, kept at a constant 2–4 °C. The cold slows decomposition and maintains the sanitary conditions required by Romanian law.
For short delays, cold storage alone is sufficient. For transport lasting more than a week, or for international repatriation, embalming is also recommended — it preserves the body for a longer period.
The appropriate duration depends on the situation. The table below gives practical guidance:
| Situation | Indicative duration | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Short delay (relatives, scheduling) | 1–3 days | Cold storage |
| Domestic or international repatriation | 3–7 days | Cold storage + embalming |
| Extended delay (over one week) | 7+ days | Embalming required |
Mortuary refrigerators are available at hospital morgues, funeral homes, and dedicated holding facilities. When a death occurs in hospital, the body may be kept at the hospital morgue until collection.
We handle cold storage in proper conditions and coordinate the collection, preparation, and transport — wherever the death occurred.
Cold storage is the right choice for short delays of a few days. It does not alter the body in any way — it simply slows natural processes through temperature.
Embalming preserves the body for longer and is mandatory for international transport. For a repatriation, both are usually used together. See the page on preparing the deceased.
Cold storage is usually charged per day. Any preparation or transport required is priced alongside it.
We coordinate cold storage, preparation, and transport in one place, with a clear quote upfront. For an overview of costs, see our general price guide.
Call us and we take care of cold storage, paperwork, and coordination — whether the death occurred at home, in hospital, or abroad.
We answer day and night. For a no-obligation conversation, call us or see our funeral transport service.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
A unit that keeps the deceased at 2–4 °C, slowing the natural processes after death. It allows the funeral to be delayed by several days in correct sanitary conditions.
When more than a day or two pass between death and the funeral — for relatives travelling in, for a repatriation, a post-mortem examination, or a longer wake.
For short delays, 1–3 days in cold storage is usually sufficient. For repatriations or delays over a week, embalming is added alongside cold storage.
At hospital morgues, funeral homes, and specialist holding facilities. When death occurs in hospital, the body is kept at the hospital morgue until collection.
Normally at 2–4 °C, constant and controlled. The cold slows decomposition and maintains the sanitary conditions required by law.
Cold storage for delays of a few days. Embalming for longer periods or international transport, where it is mandatory.
It is usually charged per day of storage. Preparation and transport are quoted alongside it. We give a clear figure before we start.
No. Cold storage only slows the natural processes through temperature, without altering the body. Longer-term preservation requires embalming.
Viewing normally takes place after preparation, not during cold storage. We coordinate the right moment for a final farewell.
Yes, as a rule. During repatriation the body is kept in cold storage until the paperwork and transport are ready, alongside embalming and a zinc-sealed casket.
We do. We collect the deceased from home and arrange cold storage in proper sanitary conditions until the funeral or repatriation.
Not if the funeral takes place within 1–2 days. It becomes necessary or advisable when the date is delayed and the body must be kept in good condition.
As soon as possible after death, if the funeral is to be delayed. The sooner storage begins, the better the conditions are maintained.
Yes. The body is removed from cold storage, prepared, and laid out for the wake. If needed, it is returned to cold storage afterwards until the funeral.
Not if storage is done correctly and for a short period. Preparation and restorative cosmetics restore a natural appearance for the wake and ceremony.
We do. We handle cold storage, preparation, paperwork, and transport — wherever the death occurred. The family does not need to manage the logistics.
The deceased is prepared — washing, embalming if needed, cosmetics, and dressing — then placed in the casket, ready for the wake, ceremony, and funeral.
Yes. We provide cold storage day and night, including weekends and public holidays. Call us at any hour for collection and storage.
Yes. When death occurs in hospital, the body is held at the hospital morgue until collection. We coordinate the collection and any subsequent storage.
The daily rate depends on the facility and the services included. It is stated clearly in our quote, alongside preparation and transport, with no surprises.
Yes. Storage is carried out in the required sanitary conditions and with respect, in dedicated facilities. The dignity of the deceased is maintained throughout.
Yes, regardless of season. Ambient cold is not sufficiently low or controlled for correct preservation; a mortuary refrigerator maintains the precise conditions required.
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