Procurement, interpretation, and value of postmortem cultures

The procurement, interpretation, and value of postmortem cultures is review ed from the microbiologist's perspective. A brief description of the variou s procurement techniques is included and the factors involved in the contam ination of specimens discussed. The interpretation of culture results is di scussed by comparing postmortem specimens to routine laboratory samples suc h as blood cultures and sputum. The value of performing these cultures is d iscussed relevant to the individual postmortem examination and the research capabilities of the facility.