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Jan 11, 2024 · An autopsy is a medical examination of a body after death to find the cause — and sometimes manner — of death. A pathologist trained to perform autopsies thoroughly examines the inside and outside of the body. The word “autopsy” comes from the Greek word “autopsia,” which means “to see for oneself.”
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What is an autopsy & how is it done?
Why do doctors do autopsies?
Who performs autopsies?
Who performs an autopsy if a person dies?
- Overview
- Requesting the Autopsy Report
- Retrieving the Autopsy Report
An autopsy is a post mortem medical procedure performed by a qualified pathologist. Most autopsies take two to four hours and will not interfere with having the body on view at the funeral. Autopsy information can be important to next of kin to offer closure, to aid in legal matters, to offer insight on genetic conditions that might affect other fa...
Understand the purpose of an autopsy.
An autopsy is an examination of the body of a deceased person, carried out by a qualified pathologist. The pathologist creates a written record of the autopsy findings, including the microscopic and laboratory tests. Next of kin or other authorized individuals can then request copies of these reports. There are two types of autopsies:
The hospital autopsy: This type is often referred to as a post-mortem exam or necropsy. During hospital autopsies, the pathologist use surgical techniques to perform an external and internal examination on the deceased. Hospital autopsies are performed to help answer specific questions about the cause of death and identify diseases or problems related to the patient's death.
The forensic autopsy: This type determines the person's cause of death, as well as the manner of death (for example, natural, accident, suicide, homicide). Forensic autopsies are also performed to determine the identity of the deceased, as well as the time of death and/or the fatal injury. The evidence collected from the body during a forensic autopsy may be used in a criminal case to prove or disprove a person's guilt or innocence.
View the autopsy in person.
In some states, for example Maryland, you can read and review the autopsy report in person by appointment at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, free of charge. However, you cannot copy the autopsy or take it with you without paying for a copy.
Check the website of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in your state for more information.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will have most of the information that you need to request an autopsy report. Most large cities and counties have a coroner's and medical examiner's office
Pay for the report, if necessary.
Most autopsy reports are provided at no charge to the next of kin and other legitimate individuals. However, some states, like Maryland and Texas, require a fee for a completed, detailed autopsy report.
Autopsies may be done for several reasons, including the following: When a suspicious or unexpected death occurs. When there's a public health concern, such as an outbreak with an undetermined cause. When no doctor knows the deceased well enough to state a cause of death and to sign the death certificate.
Sep 1, 2000 · Autopsies are done for several reasons: To answer questions about a person’s illness. To tell how and why the person died. For education and research. To assist in legal cases. Specially trained doctors, called pathologists, perform autopsies. Pathologists are experts in looking at body tissues and fluids. Who may request an autopsy?
An autopsy (also referred to as post-mortem examination, obduction, necropsy, or autopsia cadaverum) is a surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse by dissection to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death; or the exam may be performed to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present for research or educat...
May 13, 2023 · Test Overview. An autopsy is a thorough medical exam of a body after death. It may be done to learn about a disease or injury. Or it may be done to find out how or why a person has died. An autopsy is done by a doctor called a pathologist. This type of doctor is an expert in examining body tissues and fluids.
