Cadaver Storage Tanks: A Practical Guide for Anatomy Labs

Much of the anatomy teaching in medicine, dentistry and the health sciences takes place on cadavers. Keeping these donated bodies preserved safely and respectfully over long periods is one of the core responsibilities of every anatomy department. A cadaver storage tank, sometimes called a cadaver immersion or preservation tank, is a stainless steel system in which embalmed cadavers are kept submerged in a preserving solution. This guide explains its components, how it works, what to look for when choosing one and how to use it safely.

How does a cadaver storage tank work?

An embalmed cadaver is placed on a transport tray or in a cage and lowered into the solution tank by the lifting system. When it is needed for teaching, it is raised with the same system, moved to the dissection table on a transfer trolley and returned to the tank afterwards. The main components listed on the Volinox product page are:

Volinox states that the system is designed for single-user operation and offers high storage capacity within compact dimensions. By keeping manual handling to a minimum, the lifting system protects both staff and the cadaver.

Selection criteria

• Capacity: decide the number of tanks, and the number of cadavers per tank, from your teaching programme and the number of donations you receive.
• Material compatibility: confirm at quotation stage that the tank, seals and valves are compatible with the solution you use.
• Lid seal: tight-fitting lids limit vapour release and stop the solution from evaporating.
• Lifting system: ask about lifting capacity, ease of control and an emergency stop.
• Ease of cleaning: smooth interior surfaces and rounded corners make it easier to clean the tank thoroughly whenever the solution is changed.
• Drainage: a controlled drain valve is needed for changing the solution and cleaning the tank.
• Floor loading: a tank full of solution is very heavy, so check the load capacity of the floor before installation.

Preserving solutions and formaldehyde safety

The composition of the preserving solution follows each institution's own anatomy and embalming protocol; mixtures containing formaldehyde, phenol, alcohol and glycerine are common examples. Formaldehyde vapour irritates the eyes and airways and is a recognised health hazard, so the laboratory should take the following precautions:

1. Keep tank lids closed whenever the tank is not in use.
2. Provide adequate general ventilation in the laboratory and local extraction around the tanks.
3. Make sure staff wear suitable gloves, eye protection and liquid-proof aprons.
4. Keep a spill kit and an eyewash station ready.
5. Dispose of used solution as hazardous waste in line with local regulations.
6. Have exposure levels assessed periodically by an occupational health and safety specialist.

Maintenance and records

• Check and record the level and condition of the solution at the intervals set in your protocol.
• Inspect lid seals, valves and the drain line regularly for leaks.
• Service the cage lifter and transfer trolley at the intervals the manufacturer recommends.
• Keep an up-to-date record of which tank and tray each cadaver occupies, matched to the donation records.

Laboratory layout

Placing the tanks close to the dissection room, on a route the transfer trolley can travel without obstruction, makes the workflow much smoother. Plan door widths around the trolley and tray dimensions, and choose a floor that is chemical-resistant, non-slip and easy to clean. Thinking about dissection tables and work surfaces such as an autopsy table as part of the same layout avoids unnecessary handling of the cadaver. For heavy transfers, hydraulic and mechanical lifts can also help.

Bodies that have not been embalmed are stored for short periods in a refrigerated morgue unit instead. Our morgue refrigerator temperature guide covers the ranges involved.

Related products and articles

You can see the system on our cadaver storage tank page and more equipment under hospital equipment. If you are also equipping a dissection or examination room, our autopsy table checklist may help. For a quote for your laboratory, contact us through our contact page or on WhatsApp.