Sample Collection for Abortion Cases

Sample collection for abortion cases is important because appropriate specimens for diagnostic laboratory assistance in proper diagnosis.

Sample collection for aborted cases should be done in a way and properly handled so that they arrive promptly in good conditions for examination.

The best specimens include the aborted fetus and fetal membranes and maternal serum, urine and vaginal discharge.

If it is impractical to submit the whole fetus, perform a necropsy and submit the tissues and specimens listed below.

Weigh the fetus or estimate the weight and determine the age by crown-rump measurement.

For histopathological examination, place 1/2 to 1/2 inch thick sections of tissues and whole cotyledons in 10% buffered neutral formalin (BNF): 10 volumes of BNF to 1 of tissue.

Send directly or keep overnight at room temperature.

Transfer fixed tissues to a small, wide-mouth, screw-capped jar or sealed plastic bag containing 1 to 2 volumes of fresh BNF.

All specimens for microbiological examination should be placed in separate small containers, eg. Whirl bags, then placed together in a larger container, and packed with enough ice, insulation, and packing to provide refrigeration and to prevent leakage until arrival at the diagnostic laboratory.

Specimens should be forwarded to the laboratory without delay. Preferably have someone take the fetus or specimens directly to the laboratory.

As the time interval between collections and laboratory examination increases, chances for diagnosis diminish.