W. Va. Code R. § 64-84-22

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 45, November 8, 2024

Section 64-84-22 - Retention of Biological Samples

22.1. The OCME shall retain and archive:

22.1.1. Solid tissue and body fluid samples taken at autopsy for at least one year, and then may retain them or dispose of them at the OCME's discretion, except:

22.1.1.a. All solid tissue and body fluid specimens associated with homicide cases shall be retained for at least five years, after which the OCME may appropriately dispose of the specimens, except when retention is requested by the court of jurisdiction; and

22.1.1.b. Specimens may be archived for specified additional periods of time by request of the CME or DCME;

22.1.2. Histologic tissue blocks for at least 10 years, and then may retain them or dispose of them at the OCME's discretion;

22.1.3. Histologic tissue mounted on glass slides for at least 25 years, and then may retain or dispose of them at the OCME's discretion; and

22.1.4. Dried blood sample cards for at least 50 years, and then may retain them or dispose of them at the OCME's discretion.

W. Va. Code R. § 64-84-22