What must happen to remains before more than 5 hours pass after their removal from refrigeration?

In the context of Pennsylvania funeral law, when remains have been removed from refrigeration, there is a critical time frame in which specific actions must be taken. If more than five hours pass, the preservation and proper treatment of the remains become significant concerns.

Embalming is the process used to temporarily preserve the body to prevent decomposition and is required within that window to maintain the integrity of the remains for viewing, services, or further arrangements. The embalming process helps to delay the natural decomposition that will occur as time passes following death. This standard emphasizes the importance placed on respectful handling of remains and ensuring they are presented appropriately for memorial services.

Other options, although they might seem plausible alternatives, do not address the requirement for preservation of remains within the specified time frame. Specifically, cremation, burial, or discarding does not fulfill the legal obligations set forth in Pennsylvania law regarding the treatment of human remains after refrigeration. Thus, the only appropriate action before five hours elapse is to embalm.