RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Variation in postmortem liver sampling: implications for postmortem toxicology interpretation
JF Journal of Clinical Pathology
JO J Clin Pathol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists
SP 1136
OP 1137
DO 10.1136/jclinpath-2012-200980
VO 65
IS 12
A1 Stephen R Morley
A1 Jennifer Bolton
YR 2012
UL http://jcp.bmj.com/content/65/12/1136.abstract
AB Aims To investigate the sites for postmortem liver sampling when toxicological analysis is required and to compare these to published guidelines which recommend sampling from deep within the right lobe of the liver. Methods A questionnaire was sent to all pathologists who had supplied liver samples to the Sheffield toxicology laboratory in 2011. Practices were audited against published standards. Results 79 liver samples had been provided from 39 pathologists. 30 pathologists replied. 15/30 pathologists had sampled from deep within the liver, but only 7/30 pathologists sampled from the deep within the right lobe. Conclusions The published guidelines for liver sampling were either not known or not being followed by pathologists. Although this did not directly affect any of the cases audited, such a lack of knowledge of the recommended site of liver sampling may lead to incorrect interpretation if the site of liver sample is unknown by the receiving laboratory.