How to draw post mortem blood sample for toxicology

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I need to learn how to draw a post mortem blood sample for toxicology. Anyone able to tell me how to do it? Which vessel is best to use?

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

It's just a peripheral blood draw. The number/color of tubes required will be specific to the lab doing the testing. If resuscitation of the patient was attempted, good documentation of all meds given during resuscitation as well as meds the patient was taking will be important.

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It is easier to draw from the dependent areas of the body to compensate for liver mortis. Personally I like the distal basilic for this or median cubital if you can. If you prop the patient on the side it is easier to draw from the lower arm.

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