Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 25, June 21, 2024
Section 64-84-9 - Obtaining Blood, Body Fluids, and Tissue Material for Examination9.1. A CoME, ACoME, or CoCo in providing assistance with determining cause and manner of death, and when responsible for examination of a body, shall obtain peripheral blood by percutaneous route and urine and vitreous fluid samples, if available, from the deceased person.9.2. The CoME, ACoME, or CoCo shall collect other fluid and tissue from the body of the decedent only upon specific instruction from the CME or his or her designee, a DCME:9.2.1. Shall obtain body fluid samples obtained during hospitalization, and submit them for toxicologic analysis;9.2.2. Shall document collection of body fluid samples obtained during hospitalization on the appropriate OCME form, and shall ensure that the samples are properly labeled and delivered to the OCME in a timely and secure fashion;9.2.3. Shall obtain tissue specimens for examination, only when specifically directed to do so by the OCME;9.2.4. Shall use sample containers provided by the OCME which are properly and clearly marked;9.2.5. Shall seal the sample containers securely;9.2.6. Shall complete and attach the appropriate forms provided by the OCME;9.2.7. Shall deliver the sample containers and the forms to the OCME in person, by mail, or by a bonded carrier or by any courier authorized by the OCME, within 24 hours of specimen collection;9.2.8. Shall handle all biologic materials or any item possibly soiled with biologic materials in a manner consistent with strict infectious disease precautions;9.2.9. Shall not withdraw blood or other body tissues or fluids when it is determined that transport of the body to the OCME for further postmortem examination is necessary; and9.2.10. Shall notify the OCME immediately if unable to withdraw sufficient volume of peripheral blood sample as outlined in the 2007 edition of the West Virginia Handbook for Performance of Death Investigation and Certification.