Necropsy Sample Submission Hints
Adequate cadaver submittal
Is preferred to submit the cadaver chilled instead of frozen. However, should the interval between the animal's death and receipt at the laboratory be greater than 3 days, the carcass should be frozen prior to shipment.
The cadaver must be put inside a sealed bag to prevent leaking, with enough ice packs and absorbent material. Body and ice packs should be placed inside a Styrofoam box and an external cardboard box.
Packaging must meet the following conditions:
- A leak-proof primary receptacle(s).
- A leak-proof secondary packaging.
- An outer packaging of adequate strength for its capacity, mass and intended use.
- For liquids (ice and body fluids), absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the entire contents must be placed between the primary receptacle and the secondary packaging so that, during transport, any release or leak of a liquid substance will not reach the outer packaging and will not compromise the integrity of the cushioning material.
Inadequate Cadaver Shipping
The animals must be sent following good shipping practices to prevent leakage. The cadaver submitted must be fresh, since the gross and microscopic evaluation of the cadaver is hindered by advanced postmortem autolysis. The normal microflora invades all tissues and organs; therefore, a reliable bacterial analysis cannot be made. Autolysis also hinders other testing, including but not limited to fluid evaluation and virus isolation.
NOTE: According to DOT, any person who knowingly violates a requirement of the Federal Hazardous Material Transportation law is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $27,500 and not less than $250.00 for each violation.
