Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:

Alberta Precision Laboratories

Message Alert:

PLEASE NOTE: This Test Directory is in an interim state and due to changes pertaining to the DynaLIFE transition, performing site for routing has not been updated. Please refer to Laboratory Information System for appropriate routing.

Test Name/Synonym:

Fetal Autopsy Exam; (Synonyms: AUT, Fetus, Perinatal, Stillborn)

Collection Alert:

Special Collection Requirements – see “Specimen Collection Requirements”

Shipping and Handling Alert:

Special Handling requirements – see “Transportation”

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB10

Test Code:

CENTRAL ZONE: AUT

Specimen Type:

Tissue

Specimen Source:

Autopsy

Primary Container:

Body Bag or appropriate sized container

Specimen Collection Requirements:

Send the fetus and placenta to the morgue together - no fixative on the fetus or placenta. The placenta should always accompany the fetus and be appropriately labeled with the mothers information.

The fetus is labeled with its own identification number as this permits crosslink identification between mother and fetus. An identification label must be on the outside of the container or the body if it is wrapped in a blanket or shroud. The label must have the following information:

First and last name
One of the following:
- Date of Birth
- Alberta Health or Personal Health Number
- Hospital Patient Identification Number (where applicable)

Signed Autopsy Consent, Consultation Request and required forms must be completed and signed by the appropriate person(s) and sent with the fetus.

Refer to Fetal Autopsy and Fetus/Fetal Tissue less than 20 weeks in Test Resources for further information.

Fetus/Fetal Tissue – Less Than 20 Weeks Gestation (Non-Registrable Deaths): Submit the tissue in an appropriate sized container with no fixative as soon as possible. If there is an intact fetus, send the fetus and placenta to the histology laboratory together (they can be in separate containers).

Central and North Zones:
When requesting a stillborn autopsy within the Red Deer Hospital, an Autopsy Consent, Consultation Request and Anatomical Pathology Requisition for the placenta will be required.

When requesting a stillborn autopsy at sites within Central Zone (other than Red Deer Regional Hospital) and North Zone, refer to Requesting Pediatric-Stillborn from Red Deer Hospital - Central and North Zone, see Test Resources.

Test Resources:

Autopsy Consent and Consultation Request AHS 20597

Requisition for Constitutional Cytogenetic and FISH Services

Links:
Fetal Autopsy
Fetus/Fetal Tissue – Less than 20 Weeks Gestation

Central and North Zones:
Anatomical Pathology Requisition (Consultation Request)
Requesting Pediatric-Stillborn from Red Deer Hospital - Central and North Zone

Edmonton and North Zones:
RAPAUR18075 Client Resource – Autopsy Requests Guideline

South Zone:

Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH)/Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH) specific documents.

Attach Stillbirth/placenta label to requisition provided by CRH/MHRH lab.

Autopsy sticker, provided by CRH/MHRH lab, contact for supply.

Stability and Storage:

Refrigerate, until next working day, maximum 3 days, if immediate transport not possible.

Transportation:

Fetuses may be transported for autopsy on weekends but the autopsy may not be performed until the next working day. Fetuses 20 weeks gestation or greater follow the directions below. Lab will arrange for transportation of fetuses under 20 weeks gestation to the appropriate autopsy location.

The requesting facilities Admission/Patient Placement department is responsible for arranging the transfer of the body to the designated hospital using Capital Transport Service (403-237-8552) or a funeral home (from a rural setting). The receiving facility will be invoiced for the transport one way; the family of the deceased is responsible for the arrangement of pick-up through a funeral home or may choose to participate in the local free burial program.

Zone	Designated Hospital
Calgary and South Zones	Alberta Children's Hospital
Edmonton Zone	Royal Alexander Hospital
North and Central Zones	Red Deer Regional Hospital

Routine Turn Around Time:

Normally, the deceased is available for release within 48 hours of death. Preliminary reports available within 3 business days, final reports within 60 days.

Testing Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Calgary and South Zones:
Upon request on weekends

Testing Area:

Anatomical Pathology

Performing Site:

Calgary Zone	Alberta Children’s Hospital
Central Zone	Red Deer Regional Hospital
Edmonton Zone	Royal Alexandra Hospital
North Zone	Red Deer Regional Hospital
South Zone	Alberta Children’s Hospital

Additional Test Information:

Impending death or death with suspected/known metabolic disease:
Sites referring to Calgary: Contact Metabolic Disease Services at ACH, see contacts.
Sites referring to Edmonton: Metabolic autopsies are STAT. During routine work hours, call or page autopsy staff. After hours contact resident on call for Anatomical Pathology. See Contact/Comments.

If the death occurs on a weekend and parents request immediate release of the body, contact the pathologist on call.
If Cytogenetic testing is requested, complete an AHS Requisition for Constitutional Cytogenetic Services.

Fetus/Fetal Tissue – Less Than 20 Weeks Gestation: When fetal or placental tissue is suspected from a very early gestation, the tissue is examined microscopically for the presence or absence of fetal tissue or chorionic villi.

Contact Comments:

Calgary Zone:
Metabolic Disease Service at Alberta Children’s Hospital Phone (ACH) 403-955-7211

Edmonton Zone:
Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) Laboratory Phone 780-735-4629, Fax 780-735-6776
RAH Autopsy Pager 780-445-5281
After hours, call University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) switchboard 780-407-8822 to contact resident on call for Anatomical Pathology.

Central Zone:
Red Deer Anatomical Pathology Laboratory Phone 403-343-4729 , Fax 403-358-4307

South Zone:
Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH):
Client Service Center (Lethbridge and Area) Phone 403-388-6057
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH):
Client Service Center (Medicine Hat and Area) Phone 403-529-8919

Last Updated On:

Thursday, July 20, 2023