AIMS To assess the efficacy of cytodiagnosis in necropsy practice. METHODS Fifty three focal lesions from 46 necropsies were assessed by direct smears taken from the lesions. The smears were air-dried and stained by a modified Giemsa technique, with two cases having supplementary histochemistry. All of the slides were assessed independently before review of the necropsy histology. RESULTS O...

AIMS To explore the personal attitudes of medical educators to the necropsy. METHODS A "theoretical sample" of individuals, with widely disparate views, was selected from University of Sheffield Medical School affiliated staff. These individuals underwent semi-structured interviews (in private) to elucidate their personal attitudes towards the necropsy (in relation to the possibility of their...

AIMS To examine trends in necropsy based research output for a period of 27 years during which there has been a progressive decline in clinical necropsy rates. METHODS The numbers of necropsy based research papers published between 1966 and 1993 were determined using the CD-Plus Medline computed literature database. RESULTS The number of necropsy based research papers containing necropsy or...

The accurate interpretation of bruising at necropsy is essential to understanding how a victim has been injured and assists the pathologist in a reliable reconstruction of the events leading to death. It is essential not only to assess the mechanism of production of a bruise, taking into account the type of impacting surface and the magnitude of force used, but also to estimate when the injury ...

Timely euthanasia of feeder cattle can minimize suffering of cattle that have little hope of recovery or pain abatement. Euthanasia techniques are described, including primary and secondary steps to ensure humane death. Considerations are discussed to ensure rendered product from euthanized cattle will be safe. A necropsy technique that is time efficient and thorough is outlined. An important a...