Alberta Precision Laboratories

--- Query Results ---

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:

Autopsy Exam; (Synonyms: Pediatric, AUT)

Collection Alert:

Special Collection Requirements – see “Specimen Collection Requirements”

Shipping and Handling Alert:

Special Handling Requirements – see “Transportation”

LABID (Connect Care):

LAB9

Test Code:

CENTRAL ZONE: AUT

Specimen Type:

Autopsy

Specimen Source:

Autopsy

Primary Container:

Body bag

Specimen Collection Requirements:

All bodies must be placed in a body bag for transfer and receipt to APL.

An identification tag must be attached to the body and also to the outside of the body bag (2 identification tags).
The tags 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)

Special handling procedures must be followed for autopsies on bodies with known or suspected infectious disease. See Test Resources.

Signed Autopsy Consent and Consultation Request form, Chart and other forms are to be sent with the body.

Refer to Pediatric Autopsies in Test Resources for further information.

Central and North Zones:
When requesting a pediatric autopsy within the Red Deer Hospital, an Autopsy Consent and Consultation Request will be required.

When requesting a pediatric 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 in Test Resources.

Test Resources:

Forms/Requisitions:
Autopsy Consent and Consultation Request 20597

Genetics and Genomics Cytogenetics Analysis, Constitutional Requisition

Links:
Pediatric Autopsies

Autopsy on bodies with Infectious Diseases

Central and North Zones:
Requesting Pediatric-Stillborn from Red Deer Hospital - Central and North Zone

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

Stability and Storage:

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

Transportation:

Calgary Zone:
From AHS Hospital Sites:
The Admission/Patient Placement department of the hospital where the death occurred is responsible for arranging the transfer of a body.
From Non-Hospital Sites: Any charges that result from the transportation of the body are the responsibility of the family.

North Zone:
The requesting facility will be responsible for the cost of transportation of the body to performing laboratory. Families will select a funeral home to use for transportation.

Edmonton Zone:
The requesting facility will be responsible for the cost of transportation of the body to performing laboratory. Sites are advised to use Capital Transport Services for body transport.

South Zone:
Requesting physician must complete paperwork and arrange transportation.

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:	University of Alberta 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 Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH), see Contact Comments.
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.

Neuropathology Autopsies, including CJD cases:
Either alone or combined with request for general autopsy, contact Neuropathologist on call in applicable zone for approval.

Contact Comments:

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

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

Edmonton Zone:
University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) Laboratory: Phone 780-407-8936, Fax 780-407-2131
UAH Autopsy Pager: 780-445-5374
After hours, call UAH switchboard 780-407-8822 to contact resident on call for Anatomical Pathology.

North Zone:
Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Laboratory: 825-412-4363
Northern Lights Regional Hospital Laboratory: 780-791-6156

South Zone:
Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH):
Client Service Center (Lethbridge and Area): Phone 403-388-6057
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH):
Monday to Friday Phone 403-502-8648 ext. 1144
Afterhours, weekends, statutory holidays Phone 403-502-8648 ext. 1540

Last Updated On:

Tuesday, May 9, 2023