What mortuary refrigeration is
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.
When mortuary refrigeration is needed
Cold storage becomes necessary whenever more than a day or two pass between death and the funeral:
- Relatives are travelling from abroad or another city
- Preparing an international repatriation
- Scheduling delays at the cemetery or church
- Waiting for a post-mortem examination (autopsy)
- The family wants a longer wake period
How it works
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.
How long can the body remain in cold storage
The appropriate duration depends on the situation. The table below gives practical guidance:
| Situation | Indicative duration | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| SituationShort delay (relatives, scheduling) | Indicative duration1–3 days | RecommendationCold storage |
| SituationDomestic or international repatriation | Indicative duration3–7 days | RecommendationCold storage + embalming |
| SituationExtended delay (over one week) | Indicative duration7+ days | RecommendationEmbalming |
For international transport, a zinc-sealed casket and embalming are mandatory.
Where mortuary refrigeration facilities are located
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 or embalming — which to choose
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.
What is included and what it costs
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 funeral service prices.
Who handles everything
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 licensed hearse service.