What must be determined during an embalming analysis regarding the body’s condition?

During an embalming analysis, one of the primary focuses is on the overall preservation needs of the body. This assessment helps embalmers evaluate how best to treat and preserve the remains in order to maintain a suitable appearance for viewing and to slow down the natural decomposition process.

Several factors contribute to the preservation analysis, including the condition of the skin, the presence of decomposition, rigor mortis, and other post-mortem changes. Understanding these needs allows the embalmer to select suitable chemicals for preservation, determine the method of embalming, and establish any special requirements for handling the body.

While potential allergies and the size of the body can influence the embalming process, they are not the primary concerns during this analysis. Similarly, while the time of death may provide some context for decomposition, it is less critical than determining the specific preservation needs, which directly impact the effectiveness and approach of the embalming procedure.