Postmortem Specimen Collection for Families
Rite Now provides respectful postmortem specimen collection for authorized family requests across specific Wisconsin regions. We partner with funeral homes and receiving laboratories to confirm legal authorizations, check specimen viability, and manage logistics. Please note that after-hours and urgent requests may be available by request. We recommend early contact.
Compassionate Guidance During a Sensitive Time
Families often seek clarity following a loss. Rite Now manages the authorized collection of samples for external laboratory testing. Please notify the funeral home and our team as early as possible to evaluate timing and laboratory criteria. Collection feasibility varies by case. Rite Now does not conduct testing, interpret data, or establish a cause of death; our role is solely professional mobile collection.
Common Reasons to Request Testing
• The passing was sudden or unexpected
• To evaluate pharmaceutical levels at time of death
• Verification is needed prior to final services
• Legal or estate advisors suggest independent collection
• Requirements for insurance policy processing
• Maintaining a private toxicological record for the family
Note: Specimen utility and testing availability are determined only after a full review of the case and specific laboratory needs.
How the Process Works
Step 1: Contact – Call our team to discuss your request; after-hours and urgent requests may be available by request.Â
Step 2: Verification – We confirm logistics with the funeral establishment to ensure collection occurs before final arrangements.
Step 3: Collection – Our specialists perform a dignified collection of biological samples with professional care.
Securing Biological Evidence
Step 4: Documentation – All samples are meticulously labeled and documented to maintain reliability.
Step 5: Transfer – We facilitate the secure courier of specimens to the designated laboratory for professional analysis.
Specimens That May Be Available
Options may include blood, urine, vitreous fluid, or tissue, depending on the receiving laboratory's requirements. Availability depends on the specific circumstances of the case.
Important information for families
• Timing: Urgent action is required; cremation precludes collection, and embalming significantly limits specimen options.
• Authorization: Legal written consent and facility permission are mandatory.
• Coordination: We manage communication between all involved parties.
• Rite Now’s role: Secure collection, documentation, and transfer.
• Fees: Professional collection and travel fees are separate from laboratory analysis costs.
Who Receives the Results?
Testing results are provided exclusively to the authorized representative via the laboratory's protocol. We suggest reviewing all documentation with a medical professional or legal counsel for interpretation.
Areas We Serve
Serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Ozaukee Counties, with additional Wisconsin locations available by request, subject to scheduling, travel distance, and service requirements. Travel fees may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to call for help?
Contact us immediately. To ensure successful collection, samples must be gathered before cremation or burial. While after-hours and urgent requests may be available by request, early coordination is vital.
Is collection possible after embalming?
Ideally, collection occurs before any embalming. While it may still be possible to retrieve certain samples afterward, it depends entirely on the laboratory's needs. Please contact us to discuss your specific case.
Do you handle the lab analysis work?
No. Rite Now specializes only in the professional collection and logistical transfer of specimens. Testing is done by independent certified labs which then issue their findings directly to the authorized party.
Will you provide the cause of death?
No. Our services are limited to biological evidence collection. Rite Now does not interpret labs or determine the cause of death. You should consult a physician or medical examiner to review the clinical findings.
Is funeral home coordination required?
Yes. We work closely with your funeral provider to arrange access. We ensure all collections are handled with dignity and professionalism within their facility.
What are the costs involved?
We charge for professional collection and mobile logistics. These fees do not include separate laboratory testing prices. Contact us for a quote.
Are all specimens guaranteed?
No. While we use professional protocols, we cannot guarantee specimen availability or viability until the specific case is evaluated.