Collection of Samples during Postmortem
Collection of samples during postmortem made of various organs, tissues and body fluids for histopathological and chemical examination to know the cause of death.
Submission of Specimens in Suspected Cases of Poisoning
Procedure for Dispatching of Material for Chemical Examination
- Complete the report forms for pathological specimens.
- Enter the name and address of the submitter.
- Enter full name and address of the owner of the stock.
- Describe the full history along with ante and post-mortem findings if any.
- A separate container should preferably be used for each case.
- Put a frozen coolant pad, into each container or pack these specimens in ice before dispatching.
- Specimens must be packed so that they do not contaminate each other, or leak in transit.
- Normally samples are sent through express rail or local transport arrangements.
Submission of Specimens in Poisoning Suspected Cases
In suspected cases of poisoning the specimens should be sent for chemical analysis.
Minimum Quantities of Specimens to be Sent for Toxicological Examination
Unless, the viscera and other articles are forwarded to the chemical examiner, they are to be preserved for a period of six months. After six months, they are to e destroyed after obtaining the permission from the magistrate.
When the veterinarian forwards articles to the chemical examiner, he should at the same time address a letter to the chemical examiner on the authorized form advising him or their despatch.
The letter should contain:
- Animals species, Breed, Sex, age, identification marks and location of lesions.
- An impression of the seal used in closing the bottle and a description of the seal.
- A list of articles forwarded and mode of transmission (by post, rail or constable).
- A separate necropsy report should be sent.
- Full details of the purpose for which analysis is required.
- Bottles should be well packed to prevent breakage or leakage during transport/transit.
- Bottles should e labelled and properly sealed.
- Same seal is to e used all through and the same sealing material.
- Note the reference number of your letter of advice to the chemical Examiner on the labels of the bottles.
Submission of Specimens for Histopathological Examination
Histopathological examination in many cases is helpful in diagnosing the cause of death. Tissues for histopathological examination should be preserved. The tissues must be fixed as soon as they are removed from the animal.
The ideal fixing agent should quickly penetrate the tissue and preserve it for longer period.
Different fixing agents are:
- Formaldehyde
- Alcohol (Ethanol)
- Mercuric chloride
- Chromates
- Osmic acid
- Picric acid
Most common fixative used is 10 percent formalin.
Specimen taken for H.P. examination should be representative of the lesion and should include some of the normal tissues.
Specimen should be cut in size of 0.5 to 1cm thick and placed in the fixative which is 10 times the volume of the tissue.
The labeled bottles are then packed carefully to prevent leakage or breakage.
