AUTOPSY

{POST MARTUM

EXAMINATION}

INTRODUCTION Post-mortem (meaning after

death) In science: an examination and

dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease.

Post-mortem examination, or autopsy, an examination of a corpse in order to determine cause of death 

Objectives of Autopsy

To find out the Cause of Death  To ascertain whether death is

Natural or Unnatural  Whether death is Homicidal, Suicidal

or Accidental  To ascertain Time passed since

death  To establish the Identity of the body Whether still-birth or live-birth of

newly born infant 

CLASSIFICATION Three Types of Autopsies

I. Medico-Legal Autopsy or Forensic or coroner's autopsies

II.  Anatomical or academic autopsies

III. Clinical or Pathological autopsies

Medico-Legal Autopsy or Forensic or Coroner's

autopsies  Performed to identify the cause and manner

of death and to identify the deceased.

They are generally executed, as dictated by

applicable law, in cases of violent, suspicious

or sudden deaths, deaths without medical

assistance or during surgical procedures.

It is performed by a Police Surgeon

Clinical or Pathological autopsies

Are executed to diagnose a particular disease or

for research purposes.

They shed light into the pathological processes

that lead to death of the person.

Clinical autopsies are sometimes performed to

assess the standard of care of hospitals. It is

done by a pathologist.

Anatomical or academic autopsies

Are performed by students of

anatomy for study purpose. This is

usually possible when a person has

given permission in advance of their

death.

STEPS IN AUTOPSY

First, the height, weight, age, and gender of the body should be noted and recorded. any distinguishing characteristics like birthmarks, scars, or tattoos should be noted as well.

STEPS IN AUTOPSY

You should also take fingerprints at this point, they may be needed in police investigations.

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Examine the body very closely, meticulously, under magnification.

Check the clothing and skin for any marks that look out of the ordinary. Fibers that don't seem to belong, droplets of blood, organic materials, and any residues found on clothing should all be noted.

Any bruises, wounds, or marks on the skin should be noted as well.

If foul-play is suspected, carefully check under the victims fingernails. Oftentimes, you will find blood or skin from the attacker..

STEPS IN AUTOPSY

Check for any dental work. Dental records are often used to identify bodies. Perform an x-ray to find any broken or fractured bones, or medical devices, like a pace-maker. These records can also be used to identify the subject.

STEPS IN AUTOPSY

Check the genital area for any signs of rape, bruising and tearing are common in such cases. This will help determine whether foul-play was involved or not.

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Take special care when removing the clothing, as it may be needed for police investigation. Take close-up shots of the marks, bruises, blood flecks, etc., that you noticed earlier.

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Take a blood sample, it can be used for DNA purposes, or to determine if the victim was on drugs, had been using alcohol, or whether there was poisoning.

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Make one large "Y" shaped incision from each shoulder across the chest to the brisket, then down to the belly button, spread open the skin and check to see if any ribs are broken.

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Split the ribcage, open it up, and examine the lungs and heart, note any abnormalities, and take a second blood sample directly from the heart.

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Weigh each organ, record anything notable, and take a tissue sample in case further examination is needed.

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Next, repeat the same process for the organs in the lower body, like the spleen and intestines, as sometimes partially digested food is used to determine time of death.

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A urine sample should also be taken from the bladder using a syringe, just like blood, the urine can be used in tests to detect drugs or poisons.

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Always carefully examine the eyes, any hemangioma or petechial rash (tiny, broken blood vessels) can be a sign of choking or strangulation.

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Next, examine the head. Check for any trauma to the skull like fractures or bruises.

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Remove the top of the skull, then remove the brain. Follow the same procedure as with all other organs, weigh, and take a sample.

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After the autopsy is completed, finish your notes or your dictated recording. State the cause of death, and the reasons that brought you to that conclusion.

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Based on your findings

(assuming you're a licensed

coroner) The Chief Medical Examiner will issue a Death

Certificate

STEPS IN AUTOPSY

The body will be returned to surviving

family members for

funeral arrangements.