Autopsy

Question 1

Medical Autopsy

Answer 1

• Performed in hospitals
• Consent must be obtained from next of kin
– Prioritized list of relationships on consent form
• External exam, internal examination of organ,

Question 2

Forensic Autopsy

Answer 2

• Performed in Medical Examiner’s office, forensic pathologist
• “Medical Examiner Cases”
– Violent deaths:
• Suicide, accident, criminal violence
–Many other reasons as well

Question 3

Why have autopsies declined?

Answer 3

Clinicians request less
– More confidence in modern diagnostic techniques
– Clinician discomfort with making request of grieving family

Families
• Not informed of value
• Fear of being charged for autopsy

Question 4

What are the benefits of autopsies?

Answer 4

• Tell you the accuracy of diagnosis
• Determine cause of death
• Identification of congenital or infectious disease