A morgue, or mortuary, is a specialized facility for the temporary storage of human remains awaiting identification, autopsy, or final disposition. The sliding compartments often referred to as “drawers” are professionally known as mortuary cabinets, mortuary refrigeration units, or body storage cabinets. These units are engineered systems designed to preserve the body’s condition until the next step in the process.
Professional and Common Names for Storage Units
While the term “morgue drawer” is widely understood, professionals use more technical terminology. The refrigeration unit itself is frequently called a morgue cooler or mortuary cabinet, emphasizing its purpose as specialized, temperature-controlled equipment. In forensic settings, they are sometimes referred to as cold lockers due to their individual, lockable nature.
The actual surface on which the body rests and is transported is a separate component, typically called a body tray or mortuary storage tray. These trays are usually constructed from durable, easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel. They are designed to slide smoothly in and out of the refrigerated cabinet on rollers and often feature a raised edge, known as a marine edge, to contain fluids and maintain hygiene.
The Necessity of Refrigeration
The primary function of these refrigerated storage units is to significantly slow decomposition. Once circulation stops, the body’s cells begin to break down and bacteria rapidly multiply. Maintaining a low temperature effectively inhibits the growth of microorganisms and the activity of enzymes that cause tissue decay.
For short-term storage, such as when a body is awaiting release or a scheduled autopsy, the units are kept at a positive temperature. This range is usually between 2°C and 6°C (36°F to 43°F), which is cool enough to slow decomposition without causing tissue damage from freezing. These conditions are suitable for holding remains for a few weeks without major changes to their physical state.
When bodies must be stored for longer periods, such as in complex forensic cases or when identification is delayed, freezer units are employed. These specialized units maintain a much colder, sub-zero environment, often ranging from -10°C to -50°C (14°F to -58°F). Freezing provides the most extended preservation, although this extreme cold can complicate later procedures by altering the texture and composition of tissues.
The Difference Between Storage and Examination Areas
The mortuary cabinets are situated within the storage area, which is separate from the facility’s primary workspace. This storage area, often called the cooler room or refrigerator room, is dedicated purely to holding remains. The design focuses on capacity, environmental control, and efficient transfer of the body to and from the trays.
In contrast, the autopsy suite or dissection room is where the examination of the body takes place. This area is equipped with specialized examination tables, featuring running water and drainage systems for the procedure. The body is only moved from the refrigerated storage unit to the examination table for the duration of the autopsy.
The storage units differ from administrative or viewing areas, which are designed for paperwork, family consultation, or identification. The “drawers” are strictly a tool of preservation and logistics, ensuring the body is maintained in a stable state while awaiting the next step, such as forensic examination or preparation for funeral services.