Procedure of Autopsy
The method of doing an autopsy varies depending on the purpose behind it. Forensic autopsies are often highly comprehensive, examining every area of the corpse. They frequently incorporate crime scene investigation and toxicology, a discipline of science that studies the nature, effects, and detection of poisons. A clinical autopsy may only examine certain areas of the body. Toxicology is rarely performed at autopsies. The following is the most common procedure used for autopsy:
- The pathologist carefully positions the body on an examining table.
- The pathologist examines the whole exterior of the body. They take notes on anything that appears strange or might be linked to the death.
- They may get or request pictures and/or X-rays of the body.
- To inspect the interior of the body, the pathologist cuts it from the collarbone to the lower belly using a knife. They may remove all or some of the interior tissues and organs.
- They collect tiny tissue samples from organs to examine under a microscope.
- A pathologist may cut through the scalp and skull to study the brain.
- They may request numerous tests on bodily fluid, tissue, and organ samples in a laboratory, such as chemical or toxicological.
- In forensic autopsies, any “unnatural” elements found in or on the corpse (such as trash or bullets) will be collected and tested.
- Following a forensic autopsy, the pathologist returns the organs to the corpse, with the exception of the brain, and sutures the skin up again. However, in certain cases organs may be retained.
- In clinical autopsies, the pathologist does not return the organs to the body. Pathologists strive to restore the body to its greatest potential esthetic state.
- The pathologist may need to preserve some organs for additional investigation or retain organs as specified on the permission form. The pathologist will produce a full report when all of their examinations and testing are done.