Minnesota State Mortician Practice Exam

When is embalming required for a deceased body?

1. If the body is being publicly transported

2. If the body has not been refrigerated for over 72 hours

3. If the body is being cremated

4. If the body is to be buried in a vault

The correct answer is: If the body is being publicly transported

Embalming is required in certain situations primarily due to concerns about public health and the preservation of the body. When a body is being publicly transported, particularly over long distances or when there is likely to be significant delays before burial or cremation, embalming becomes necessary. This is to ensure that the body does not begin to decompose in a way that poses a risk to public health. Public transportation of deceased individuals often involves displaying the body for viewings or services, increasing the need for preservation. Regulations often dictate that embalming must be performed before such transportation to prevent the spread of odors or potential health hazards. In considering situations like refrigeration or burial, while there are considerations that could lead to embalming, the key factor here is the public aspect of transportation. This differentiates the need for embalming when a body is transported in a manner that requires preservation for the sake of public safety and the dignity of the deceased.