Home
HelpTest Code AUTOPSY General Information (Not orderable in LIS)--Autopsy
Collection Instructions
Strict aseptic techniques should be maintained for all specimens.
Rejection Criteria
Invalid Autopsy Permit
Specimen Storage and Stability
Refrigeration is required if specimen is kept overnight. Specimens should never be frozen or exposed to any fixative. Fixed specimens may be evaluated but microbiologic studies, tissue culture and cytogenetic studies are precluded; DNA studies may not b
Lab Department
Histology
Alias
Autopsy; Necropsy; Postmortem Examination;
Acceptable Collection Container
Sterile container for all small specimens. Minimal quantity of sterile Hank’s or saline solution to keep small specimen moist. Aseptic handling and wrapping of large specimens.
Additional Information
Follow Nursing Service Policy and Procedure Manual Section. Note: an autopsy will not be performed until the pathologist has, in hand, a properly signed Autopsy Permit, Body Release Form, and a copy of the patient’s complete medical record. A valid permit must contain the signature of the highest ranking survivor in the next-of-kin lineage which is listed as follows in decreasing order of responsibility: 1. spouse, 2. adult children, 3. parents, 4. adult brothers and sisters, 5. relatives, 6. anyone who will accept responsibility for the body for purposes of burial. It is the responsibility of the physician to obtain permission for the autopsy from the next-of-kin. In all cases, except coroner’s cases, it is the responsibility of the private physician to complete the death certificate. The Autopsy will be perfromed at Medical College of Ohio.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday, 0600-1400; Saturday, 0600-1200