S2) Learning from the Dead

Question 1

What are the 3 types of autopsy conducted today?

Answer 1

• Medicolegal
• Forensic
• Consensual (hospital)

Question 2

How is a medicolegal autopsy conducted?

Answer 2

• Autopsy is performed on behalf of HM Coroner
• No consent needed

Question 3

How is a forensic autopsy conducted?

Answer 3

• Autopsy is performed in cases of suspicious deaths
• Sub-type of coroner’s post-mortems

Question 4

How is a consensual autopsy conducted?

Answer 4

• Autopsy is conducted with consent from next of kin
• Examination may be limited

Question 5

Identify the 4 steps involved in an autopsy

Answer 5

• History
• External examination
• Internal examination
• Additional tests

Question 6

Explain the process of external examination

Answer 6

• Ascertain any natural diseases, injuries or medical interventions
• Perhaps use imaging

Question 7

Explain the process of internal examination

Answer 7

• All internal systems examined in most cases
• Limited internal examination in consensual cases

Question 8

Identify 5 types of additional tests performed in an autopsy

Answer 8

• Histology
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Genetics

Question 9

Briefly describe the following autopsy tests:

• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Answer 9

• Toxicology: blood, urine, bile, therapeutic and recreational drugs
• Biochemistry: diabetic/alcoholic ketoacidosis, renal failure

Question 10

Briefly describe the following autopsy tests:

• Microbiology
• Genetics

Answer 10

• Microbiology: bacteria, viruses, fungi
• Genetics: DNA fingerprinting

Question 11

What are some common causes of sudden death?

Answer 11

• Extradural haemorrhage
• Subdural haemorrhage
• Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage
• Stroke
• Coronary thrombosis
• Valvular disease