What should be done when collecting autopsy blood samples?

When collecting autopsy blood samples, it is important for the pathologist to obtain the sample directly. This approach ensures that the samples are taken under controlled conditions, minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring that the collection technique adheres to established protocols specific to autopsies. The pathologist has the expertise to determine the most appropriate site for sampling, which can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. Collecting blood under the supervision of a pathologist also helps in maintaining the chain of custody and ensuring that the samples are collected in a manner that is legally defensible and scientifically valid.

In contrast, other methods may lack the rigor needed for high-quality forensic samples. For example, collecting from the heart into clear containers may not provide the best representation of the body's overall blood state at the time of death. Taking samples only from external wounds could lead to incomplete data, and using standard blood collection tubes for all samples might not be suitable for the specific requirements of forensic analysis.