Hospital morgues store bodies between 2°C and 4°C to delay decomposition without freezing the tissue.

Standard hospital mortuary refrigeration operates at a range of 2°C to 4°C (35.6°F to 39.2°F). This specific range is chosen because it significantly inhibits the growth of putrefactive bacteria, such as Clostridium welchii, which are primarily responsible for tissue breakdown. At these temperatures, the metabolic rate of microbes and the activity of autolytic enzymes are drastically reduced, extending the window for post-mortem examinations.Maintaining the temperature above the freezing point of water (0°C) is critical for forensic pathology. If the body freezes, water within the cells expands and forms sharp ice crystals that rupture cell membranes. This process, known as crystallization, creates histological artifacts that can make it impossible for pathologists to examine tissues under a microscope or determine the exact cause of death.The use of refrigeration in morgues became standardized in the early 20th century as medical schools and hospitals sought better preservation methods. For instance, the Paris Morgue was a pioneer in using cold storage technology in the late 1800s. Today, bodies are typically kept in positive temperature refrigeration for 3 to 5 days. If a body must be stored for longer periods or remains unidentified, it is moved to negative temperature storage, usually between -15°C and -25°C.