What is required if a body is to be stored for more than 48 hours prior to disposition?

When a body is to be stored for more than 48 hours prior to disposition, embalming is often required to preserve the body and prevent decomposition. Embalming involves the use of chemical substances that help to temporarily delay the natural decay process, making it suitable for longer storage periods. This practice is not only a matter of aesthetic presentation for viewing purposes, but it is also crucial for health and sanitation reasons, as decomposition can lead to issues such as odor, leakage, and potential health risks.

Although refrigeration or freezing might be alternatives for short-term preservation, they usually aren't sufficient on their own for extended periods beyond 48 hours without embalmment. Burial and immediate cremation typically involve the final disposition of the body rather than providing a means for storage, so they wouldn't be applicable in the context of storing a body prior to the chosen method of disposition. Thus, embalming is the most appropriate and commonly required procedure for the long-term preservation of remains in these cases.