What might necessitate the need for body refrigeration before embalming?

The need for body refrigeration before embalming primarily arises from a delay in arranging the funeral or potential transportation issues. When a deceased person is not embalmed promptly, natural decomposition begins to set in, which can be accelerated by factors such as temperature and humidity. If there is an expected delay in the funeral arrangements or delays in transporting the body to the funeral home or crematory, refrigeration helps to slow down these processes significantly.

Refrigeration maintains the body at a low temperature, effectively slowing microbial growth and preserving tissue integrity until proper embalming can be performed. This is particularly important in maintaining the appearance of the body for viewing and ensuring that the embalming process is effective when it eventually takes place. Consequentially, body refrigeration serves as a critical step in the preservation process during periods of unavoidable delays.