While conducting a medico-legal autopsy in a suspected organophosphate poisoning, the pathologist preserves the stomach and its contents, liver, kidney and intestine. Which preservative is conventionally used for these viscera?
- A 10 percent formalin
- B Rectified spirit
- C Saturated solution of common salt ✓
- D Absolute alcohol
Correct answer: C. Saturated solution of common salt
Explanation
The standard preservative for viscera sent to the chemical examiner in India is a saturated solution of common salt (sodium chloride). It inhibits putrefaction without interfering with most toxicological analyses. Rectified spirit is used only for specific poisons such as oxalic acid, carbolic acid and cyanide, where salt is unsuitable. Formalin is a fixative for histopathology and destroys many poisons, so it is never used for toxicological viscera. Blood is preserved with sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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