FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an autopsy?
An autopsy (also known as a post-mortem examination) is the external and internal examination of the body of a dead person and is performed primarily to determine the cause of death, and to identify or characterize the extent of disease states that the person may have had. In academic institutions, autopsies sometimes are also requested for teaching and research purposes. The word autopsy is derived from the Greek word autopsia: "to see with one's own eyes."
The extent of an autopsy can vary from the examination of a single organ such as the heart or brain, to a very extensive examination of all organs. Your loved one is always treated with dignity and the wishes of the family are maintained at all times. An autopsy is a useful option when the family wants an independent, unbiased opinion as to the cause of death.
During the autopsy, organs are removed and weighed. Small samples of each organ are taken for microscopic examination, looking for disease or any other cause of death. Once the autopsy is complete, the organs are returned to the body and the body is sewn up and cleaned.
What is an autopsy?
An autopsy (also known as a post-mortem examination) is the external and internal examination of the body of a dead person and is performed primarily to determine the cause of death, and to identify or characterize the extent of disease states that the person may have had. In academic institutions, autopsies sometimes are also requested for teaching and research purposes. The word autopsy is derived from the Greek word autopsia: "to see with one's own eyes."
The extent of an autopsy can vary from the examination of a single organ such as the heart or brain, to a very extensive examination of all organs. Your loved one is always treated with dignity and the wishes of the family are maintained at all times. An autopsy is a useful option when the family wants an independent, unbiased opinion as to the cause of death.
During the autopsy, organs are removed and weighed. Small samples of each organ are taken for microscopic examination, looking for disease or any other cause of death. Once the autopsy is complete, the organs are returned to the body and the body is sewn up and cleaned.
- What is an autopsy?
- Can I arrange an autopsy for myself and request a particular procedure be performed?
- Who can request an autopsy?
- Where is the autopsy being performed?
- Will I be able to have a funeral once the autopsy is complete?
- How much does an autopsy cost?
- How long does it take to get the autopsy report?
- Why perform an autopsy?
- Can I limit the autopsy to a particular part of the body?
- How long does an autopsy take and when will the body be released?
- How can families benefit from an autopsy?
- How soon should an autopsy be performed?
- Once the body has had an autopsy from another agency, can I have another one for a second opinion?
- Can an exhumed body be autopsied?
- Can I talk to somebody about my wishes and concerns regarding the autopsy?