Pathology - Necropsy & Lab Dx Flashcards
Why do a Postmortem?
- To confirm or reject clinical diagnosis
- When dealing with unknown disease, the information may be needed to prevent or treat other animals
- To keep documentation of pathologic process, lesions etc, to refer back to if needed.
When is the best time to conduct a Postmortem?
As soon as possible after the animal has expired.
Where is the best place to conduct a Postmortem?
Away from other animals and their food. Away from high traffic areas and areas difficult to clean.
The best areas are concrete, dirt area in the sun or a straw bed that can be easily burned.
What will you do with the carcasses?
The best disposal options are Incineration, Burial, Rendering, Composting or Transporting to a disposal site. *Remember, the cause of death should be taken into account here!
What is the best way to minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens during Postmortem?
Handle all specimens as though they are potential zoonotic threats. Use PPE.
Which BSL is required for routine necropsy of a domestic animal?
BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2)
Under what field conditions should a routine necropsy of a domestic animal be performed?
BSL-1 or 2 (Biosafety Level 1 or 2)
Which BSL is required for necropsy of an animal suspected to have Rabies?
BSL-3 (Biosafety Level 3)
Which BSL is required for persons that are immunosuppressed or pregnant while performing a necropsy?
Up to BSL-4 (Biosafety Level 4)
What equipment is needed to perform a necropsy?
- Gloves, coveralls, boots
- Sharp knife, rib cutters, saw
- Forceps, scissors
- Jars, bags, swabs, tubes
What are the five Postmortem steps for any species?
- External exam
- Open body cavities
- Collect microbial samples
- Remove and dissect all organs
- Collect histological samples
In what order do you open the body cavities?
- Abdominal cavity
- Release air by puncturing diaphragm - Open Chest cavity through diaphragm
Why collect microbial samples from the intestine last?
Can contaminate all other samples.
What type of tube is used for a culture sample?
Plain or Red top sterile tube.
What type of tube is used for fluid analysis or cytology samples?
EDTA lavender top tube.
Which organs should you collect histological samples from?
ALL organs, especially those with lesions. Its better to send more than not enough.
What samples should be collected to test for possible toxins?
Urine, stomach contents and fat.
What is the appropriate ratio of Formalin to Tissue?
Ten to One
How thick should your histological samples be?
They should be no more than one centimeter, as the formalin will only penetrate 1/2 centimeter on each side.
True or False?
Organs with a capsule need to be incised for the formalin to be able to penetrate.
TRUE
What are the important steps after completing a Postmortem?
- Make sure you have all samples needed before completing.
- Clean and disinfect work station
- Decontaminate self
- Record necropsy findings immediately
What are some things that are commonly overlooked by rookies?
- Skeletal Muscle samples
- Reproductive Organ samples
- Check Joints
- Rib Snap Test
- Liver Snap Test
