[Care for body materials obtained from autopsy].

During every autopsy, small tissue samples are taken from each organ for microscopic examination. Organs or part of organs are retained for a longer period if (a) the organ concerned is so small that the entire organ is needed for the microscopic examination; (b) the organ exhibits complicated abnormalities which can only be diagnosed following fixation or a special treatment; (c) the organ must be fixed before the examination can take place, for example, the brain. This means that the corpse is not buried or cremated in its entirety. Next of kin are not always aware of this procedure even if they have given their consent for an autopsy. Changes within society, especially the handling of aborted foetal material and foetal material from intra-uterine deaths, require new agreements and rules for the retention of organs. Next of kin must be able to have confidence in the provision of information and the careful management of body material retained during autopsies.