Postmortem Sperm Retrieval in the Emergency Department: A Case Report and Review of Available Guidelines

Postmortem sperm retrieval (PMSR) requests and retrievals are increasing in the emergency department (ED) setting. Few EDs have protocols in place, and many emergency physicians (EP) lack the knowledge of how to proceed when such situations arise. We report the case of a 31-year-old male cardiac-arrest victim who expired in the ED, after which his wife requested PMSR. We review the guidelines, procedures, and issues of consent that arise with PMSR. EPs must be aware of their institution's policies and consultant availability should a request for PMSR arise.