Fetal Autopsy/Fetus Tissue

Autopsy & Fetal Losses

Fetal autopsy services are available in Alberta.

When fetal or placental tissue is suspected from a very early gestation, the tissue is examined microscopically for the presence or absence of fetal tissue or chorionic villi.

Consent for Autopsy/Requisition

An Autopsy Consent and Consultation Request form (20597) must be completed and signed by the requesting physician. The form is available on the Alberta Health Services website by searching "Autopsy Consent and Consultation Request".

The Consent for Autopsy must be completed by the requesting physician (designate). Consent of the authorized representative (usually a parent) must be obtained by the requesting physician (designate) and witnessed by a third party adult who can verify the identity of the person signing the form.

Clinical information is REQUIRED. The report may be delayed when clinical information is not available to the Laboratory.

Calgary/South: Complete a Notice of Death and Release of Body form CHR# 100298 (for fetuses 20 weeks gestation or more)

Other:

If Cytogenetic testing is requested, complete an AHS Requisition for Constitutional Cytogenetic Services - Karyotype, FISH and RAD - available on the AHS Website/Laboratory Services/Genetics and Genomics/Cytogenetics: www.albertahealthservices.ca/lab/page8667.aspx.

Vital Statistics documentation is required in the following cases:

For stillbirth 20 weeks gestation or older:

Calgary:
Medical Certificate of Stillbirth DVS9 / Reg 3219
Registration of Stillbirth DVS8 / Reg 3218
Physicians Notice of Live Birth or StillBirth (PNOB) DVS# /HS001-130
Congenital Anomalies (if required) HS020-112

Edmonton:
Current Version of Consent for Autopsy
Patient Care Medical Records
Registration of Stillbirth (DVS3218)
Physicians notice of Stillbirth
Medical Certificate of Stillbirth (DVS3219)
Notice of Death (CH-0136)
Consent for Burial (Hospital) (CH-0174) if applicable OR
Burial Permit (DVS3247) if applicable

For deceased newborn (live birth any gestational age):

Calgary:
Medical Certificate of Death DVS6 /Reg3122
Registration of Death DVS5 /Reg3260
Congenital Anomalies (if required) HS020-112

Edmonton:
Attending Physicians Medical Certificate of Death (DVS3122) signed by the physician of the deceased
Current Version of Autopsy Consent
Patient Care Medical Records
Registration of Birth
Physicians notice of a Live Birth
Registration of Death (REG3260)
Consent for Burial (Hospital) (CH-0174) if applicable OR
Burial Permit (DVS3247) if applicable

Fetal Autopsy (less than 20 weeks):

Edmonton:
Current Version of Autopsy Consent
Consent for Burial (Hospital) (CH-0174) if applicable OR
Burial Permit (DVS3247) if applicable

Forms must be completed, signed by the appropriate person(s) and sent with the fetus.

Identification of the Fetus

Refer to the Alberta Precision Laboratories Test Directory

Alberta precision Laboratories Test Directory - Fetal Autopsy

Autopsy Handling and Transport

When an autopsy is requested:

  • The Unit sends the fetus and placenta to the morgue together (no fixative on the fetus or placenta).
    • The placenta should always accompany the fetus and be appropriately labeled with the mothers information and "placenta" or "fetus".
  • The Unit is responsible to notify Admitting/Patient Placement by sending them the required forms and the medical chart.
  • Admitting/Patient Placement makes arrangements to transport the fetus and placenta the site performing the autopsy.
  • The fetus and placenta should be sent to performing site as soon as possible but may be kept in the fridge (4°C) for a MAXIMUM of 3 days (on a weekend).
  • Fetuses may be transported for autopsy on weekends but the autopsy will not be performed until the next working day.

If the death occurs on a weekend and parents request immediate release of the body, contact the pathologist on call.

If parents are not using a funeral home they may make arrangements through local programs for burial, or cremation or picking up the fetus if they are not using a funeral home:

  • Edmonton/North: Edmonton Zone Hospital Burial Program
  • Calgary: Calgary Maternity Social Workers

For information regarding Calgary/south programs go to: Grief Support Program - Calgary Zone.

Release of the Fetus

After an Autopsy/Examination:

The body can be released directly to a funeral home or an authorized representative upon consent from the pathologist and in compliance with Laboratory Services guidelines. The person authorized to pick-up the body must show appropriate identification and sign for the acceptance of the body.

Less than 20 weeks:

After examination, the tissue can be released to a funeral home or the mother's authorized representative (i.e. the social worker or the unit) upon consent from the pathologist and in compliance with Laboratory Services guidelines.

The laboratory will complete a Release of Specimen form. The person authorized to pick up the tissue must show appropriate identification and sign for the acceptance of the body.

All remaining fetal tissue is sent for cremation after an 8 week holding period.