A Practical Look at the Post Mortem Kit: Why Shroud Kits Are Replacing Heavy Body Bags

Let’s be honest: procurement teams in hospitals and emergency services care about two things—performance and reliability. The Post Mortem Kit (Shroud Kit 54 x 108, #SK54108A) has been making quiet waves because it’s lighter, faster to deploy, and surprisingly robust. Originating from No. 12, Shuangtong Road, Dahe Town, Luquan District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, the manufacturer leans into practical details: an all‑in‑one pack that retains fluids, helps with ID, and doubles its packaging as a personal-effects sleeve. Not glamorous work, but absolutely essential.

Industry trend check

Across mortuaries, coroner offices, and EMS fleets, we’re seeing a shift from bulky cadaver bags to shroud‑style kits. Why? Lower storage footprint, faster handling, and fewer components to manage. Many customers say their teams prefer the “open and wrap” workflow during peak hours. In disaster response, speed matters—and, to be honest, so does unit cost.

What’s inside and how it’s built

• Materials: PE shroud sheet with absorbent layer; heat‑sealed seams; tie closures; ID label.
• Packaging: Prepacked in a polyethylene bag that can also hold personal effects.
• Methods: Film extrusion, lamination, die‑cutting, heat sealing; 100% inspection on seals for leaks.
• Testing: Hydrostatic head (AATCC 127), synthetic blood resistance (ASTM F1670), seam strength (ASTM D1683), visual QC.
• Service life: Single‑use; shelf life ≈ 3 years in cool, dry storage (10–30°C), away from UV.
• Industries: Hospitals, funeral homes, medical examiners, long‑term care, EMS, airlines, disaster management.

Product specifications

Where it’s used (and why it helps)

Hospitals and ME offices report faster preparation and cleaner storage areas. In field operations—mass‑casualty incidents, for instance—teams appreciate that the kit is complete and not as burdensome as a traditional bag. Identification is simpler, and the personal‑effects packaging reduces mix‑ups.

Test data and standards snapshot

• AATCC 127 hydrostatic: ≥ 50 cm H2O on film composite (typical lot data).
• ASTM F1670: No penetration at 2 minutes (synthetic blood) on film layer.
• ASTM D1683 seam strength: ≥ 20 N on heat‑sealed joints (typical). Results vary by batch.
• Quality system: Manufacturer operates under ISO 9001; medical regulatory scope may vary by region—check local rules.

Vendor comparison at a glance

Customization

Common tweaks include size changes (e.g., bariatric widths), absorbent capacity, color coding, barcode/QR ID, and private‑label printing. For cold‑room use, some buyers specify thicker film for extra tear resistance.

Quick case notes

• Regional hospital network: reported ≈23% procurement savings after moving from heavy bags to Post Mortem Kit shrouds, with no increase in leakage incidents.
• Municipal emergency agency: shaved average prep time by ~3 minutes per case in surge conditions—small wins add up.

Regulatory note: Shroud kits may not be classified as medical devices in some jurisdictions; follow local public‑health guidance for safe handling, PPE, and transport.

Authoritative citations

1. ASTM F1670/F1670M – Synthetic Blood Penetration Resistance
2. AATCC 127 – Hydrostatic Pressure Test
3. ASTM D1683 – Seam Strength of Fabrics
4. ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
5. WHO: Safe management of a dead body (guidance)