Why should animals intended for necropsy never be stored in the freezer?

The rationale for stating that animals intended for necropsy should never be stored in the freezer primarily hinges on the physical damage caused by ice crystal formation within the tissues. When organic matter, such as animal tissues, is frozen, ice crystals can develop and expand, disrupting the cellular structure. This damage can compromise the integrity of the samples for microscopic analysis and may affect the results of any pathological examinations.

For example, necropsies rely on observing cellular details to determine the cause of death, assess disease processes, or evaluate the effects of experimental treatments. If the tissues are damaged by freezing, it could lead to misleading conclusions, as the altered cellular architecture may mask evidence of underlying conditions or changes typically assessed during necropsy.

Understanding the importance of proper storage conditions is crucial for ensuring that the specimens remain viable for study and analysis. It highlights the delicate nature of biological samples and the necessity of adhering to proper necropsy protocols to preserve the integrity of the tissues under examination.