WildLife Group
of the SAVA
importance. The common practice of to
randomly throw a few bits and pieces of tissues
into containers and requesting the lab to ‘look at
them’, is an inadequate practice.
Inadequately and poorly selected samples
lacking information and a broad request, for
instance, to look for poisons, are inadequate and
unprofessional practices. Do not then blame the
lab for not coming up with the results that you
expected.
Using dirty containers, the contamination of
specimens, and permitting blood and tissue
to putrefy, are all factors that detract from the
accuracy required to provide good laboratory
results.
Packaging (triple layer) and maintaining a
cold chain are other critical issues. There are
international and national regulations governing
the way in which you should submit biological
specimens for transport so as not to endanger
people involved in transporting the samples.
Meticulously maintain the chain-of-custody in
forensic cases.
Excess material (organs and other biological
specimens) should be preserved should it be
required for additional or repeat laboratory
procedures.
14. Animal identification
This is a critical issue and all animals should be
identified so that there is no doubt about their
identity. Use all means at your disposal and be
meticulous about detail. All methods should be
taken into consideration, including DNA analyses
(Keep in mind that all DNA work, except for
rhinos, is done contractually by the National
Zoological Gardens).
There are comprehensive new regulations with
emphasis on the chain-of-custody that apply to
the collection and submission of specimens for
DNA analysis for identification purposes.
14
15. Recording your findings
Many necropsy reports are sketchy affairs and
they often contain less information than that
which is included in the final report to the
owner.
The necropsy record/report is a comprehensive
document, and should be detailed and inclusive
of all lesions. Become accustomed to make
extensive, detailed notes of all observations, and
do it while in the process of doing the necropsy
– do not leave it for later. This record should be
supplemented by detailed photography.
This report is technical and it is not intended to
be sent to the client. In itself, it is meaningless,
unless these findings are integrated with all
other observations.
16. Final report
• This report summarises all the findings of
the investigation: necropsy findings, history,
and laboratory results. These results should
be synthesised to make a final diagnosis and
conclusion.
• The report should be written in general/nontechnical language.
• It may eventually be submitted to a court as part
of the evidence required to finalize a claim.
• It should summarize all findings and
observations, including post-mortal findings, and
laboratory reports.
• It should be in good language, factual, and
without spelling mistakes.
• It should reflect competence and
professionalism.
• In respect of all records, and reports related to
the case, expect a word-by-word, and line-by-line
evaluation of the content, should it go to court.
Attention to the smallest detail is of the utmost
importance and refraining from paying attention
to it may jeopardise the case.
Reference
AR Moritz, 1981. Classical mistakes in forensic
pathology. American Journal of Forensic Medicine
and Pathology, 2, 299 - 308