While not optimal, such delays in shipment are inevitable. Virtually everything else can be accomplished with formal post mortem. Clinical examination, photographs, x-rays and cytogenetic testing will often yield information sufficient to make a specific diagnosis. Methods for obtaining samples for cytogenetic studies under these circumstances are summarized in the section of the protocol dealing with Sampling for Chromosomal Evaluation. Obviously, placental examination should also be completed even if an autopsy is declined.
Yield is less.
Certain publications notwithstanding, one can not predict success or failure of cultures on the basis of external macerative criteria. The effort to obtain tissue samples in macerated stillborns is worth it since it is just those babies in whom external stigmata of chromosomal abnormalities may be masked. It is particularly important to sample fetal placenta under those circumstances since these cells tend to survive longer after fetal death. Samples for chromosomal analysis can still be taken. We suggest drawing maternal blood in a sterile tube, spinning it down and using the plasma or serum as transport medium for the fetal tissue samples.