MONTANA VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY

PHONE: (406) 994-4885 FAX: (406) 994-6344 WEBSITE: www.liv.mt.gov/lab WEB RESULTS: https://mvdl.mt.gov E-MAIL: mvdl@mt.gov

NECROPSY KIT

PURPOSE

The necropsy kit is designed for routine postmortem collection of tissues for diseases other than abortions and neonatal diarrheas (specific kits are available for these circumstances), as improved collection and preservation of samples in the field will greatly facilitate laboratory analysis. The information and supplies provided can be useful for sample collection and submission in all species.

COLLECTION OVERVIEW

The most common error is to fail to collect a complete tissue set because of a preconceived diagnosis.

Another common error is to collect only tissues that appear grossly abnormal. Many disease processes can only be identified by microscopic examination. Therefore, collect both normal and abnormal tissues from all recommended sites.

TEST ORDER & INTERPRETATION OVERVIEW

A necropsy workup begins with histologic examination, which has the potential to guide further testing. If desired, additional testing can be specifically requested either at initial submission or following histologic evaluation and pathologist consultation.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION (LISTED IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE), KIT CONTENTS & USE

Samples to collect:

Primary: heart, lung, liver, kidney spleen, brain, stomach, small intestine and colon

As indicated: lymph nodes, adrenal gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, gastrointestinal contents, other

Single animal submission form and large Whirl-Pak® bag

Bottle of 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) and large Biohazard bag Fixed Tissues:

Two small and one large Whirl-Pak\circledR bags

  • Complete the submission form – include history
  • Place completed form back into the Whirl-Pak® bag and close bag to prevent contamination during transport
  • Tissues should not be greater than 1/2 inch thick
  • Immediately place tissue in 10% NBF (the volume ratio of NBF to tissue should be at least 10 to 1)
  • Cap tightly (no tape please) and place bottle in Biohazard bag with absorbency labeled with animal ID

Fresh Tissues:

  • Tissues should be in approximately 2 to 3-inch cubes
  • Label each bag with animal ID, tissues contained, and Owner's name
  • Place labeled, closed small bags into a large Whirl-Pak\circledR bag and close large bag
  • The sealed Whirl-Pak® bags should be packed with frozen ice packs inside an absorbent filled plastic bag

LIVE ANIMAL SUBMISSION

Submission of live animals for necropsy is not typically encouraged and should always be prearranged with the laboratory.

SHIPPING (ALL CARRIERS)

Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

1911 West Lincoln Street

Marsh Lab, Room 76

Bozeman, MT 59718-4132

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