Post Mortem Biochemistry- Sampling and Preservation

Sampling and preservation of biological fluids for analysis, after death forms an important part of post-mortem examination. Analysis of various body fluids helps to ascertain the cause of death as well as time since death. In developing countries like India, where there are lack of round-the-clock laboratories for immediate analysis, autopsy surgeons also face dilemmas regarding the preservation of the body fluids collected at autopsy. It is hence necessary to follow a standard, practicable methodology in collection as well as preservation of such specimens so as to expect reliable laboratorial results. Efforts to review the standard sampling techniques are made in this paper.