Often Asked Questions about Stillbirth Evaluation 1. Yield from many of these same investigations will probably be lower in babies of shorter gestation. Nevertheless, certain of those evaluations remain appropriate in fetuses younger than 20 weeks gestation. We have generated a suggested protocol for this circumstance that can be found in WiSSPers, vol.
Time is most crucial in obtaining samples for chromosomal study.
For this, the longer the delay the less likely will living cells be obtained. The major difficulties usually are related to delays, decisions about shipment of samples and unavailability of key individuals. As noted in questions 3 delays of up to 24 hours prior to photographs, x-ray evaluation and post mortem examination are acceptable if unavoidable. Tissues can be left in tissue culture medium at room temperature or refrigerated but not frozen until shipped on Monday morning. While not optimal, such delays in shipment are inevitable.