High-Barrier and Infectious-Disease Body Bags Explained

For most deaths, standard precautions and an ordinary body bag (or none at all) are enough. A small number of cases – for example viral haemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola – call for a far more demanding containment system. This article explains what that looks like.

What “high-barrier” means

A high-barrier bag is designed to contain fluids completely during handling and transport. The film matters, but so do the seams (factory heat-sealed or welded rather than sewn), the closure (a zip that can be locked or sealed) and the handles (anchored without puncturing the barrier).

An example: US CDC guidance for Ebola remains

CDC guidance on handling remains of patients with Ebola describes a three-layer system:

• Inner bag: vinyl or other chlorine-free material, minimum 6 mil (about 150 microns), factory heat-sealed or welded seams, zip on top.
• Middle layer: a fluid-impermeable, chlorine-free material heat-sealed around the first bag into a leak-proof enclosure.
• Outer bag: laminated vinyl or similar, minimum 18 mil (about 450 microns), riveted handles reinforced with straps under the pouch, welded seams, zip that can be secured with a zip tie.

Each layer is disinfected on the outside, only trained staff in full PPE handle the remains in the contaminated area, and the bags are not reopened. This is a specialist protocol – not a general standard for all deaths.

South African position

The Regulations Relating to the Management of Human Remains (GN R.363 of 2013) require remains of persons who died of diseases that can still be transmitted after death to be placed in a sealed polythene bag and an airtight container inside a sturdy, sealed, non-transparent coffin, accompanied by a medical practitioner’s declaration. For smallpox, anthrax and viral haemorrhagic fever the body may not be embalmed, and Department of Health guidelines apply. See our SA regulations overview.

Rules for buyers and sellers

• Never describe a bag as “infectious-disease rated”, “biohazard” or “leak-proof” without test evidence and the protocol it meets.
• Colour is not proof of performance.
• Ask for material, thickness, seam method, closure type and any leakage or burst test results.
• Match the product to your facility’s infection-prevention protocol, not the other way round.

Need a quote or a specification check? Send your quantities, sizes and application to our Bulk & Tender Enquiries desk and we will match products to your requirements.

Educational resource only. This article does not replace facility protocols, infection-prevention policies, official forensic procedures, manufacturer instructions or legal advice. Always verify product suitability against the applicable protocol and supplier test evidence. Last reviewed: October 2026.