Where do they drain your blood from when you die?

Generally, the only occasion when blood might be drained from a body would be for the purpose of embalming. Embalming is a cosmetic and preservative process used today by many Western Societies. It is done for the purpose of presenting the deceased for viewing, or for advanced preservation for situations such as extended transport of the deceased.

In countries such as the U.S. embalming is performed on approximately 81 percent of all bodies. In recent years, consumers have been rejecting such services for reasons of environmental impact and respect for their loved ones.

In the United Kingdom, as of 2010, reports suggest that fewer than five percent of bodies are fully embalmed for burial or cremation. This is due to a more pragmatic approach to death and consideration that embalming is superfluous.

The entry point for embalming is most usually in the carotid artery located between the clavicle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle (neck). Used in this process is a chemical compound consisting of formaldehyde, methanol, anti-bacterial detergents and a dye used to restore a more healthy appearance to the body. It is placed into the body via a cannula inserted into the artery.