There is no rule or law for the time limit in which an autopsy may be performed. In fact, some autopsies are performed on bodies that are disinterred from the grave months or years later. Ideally, the autopsy should be performed as soon as possible the day of death or early the following day. In some cases that is not possible so the body must be placed in refrigeration so that autolysis interferes minimally with the results. Autopsies can also be performed after embalming has taken place but ideally it would be better if the body was not embalmed thus not hampering any toxicology that may need to be obtained.

1. What is an autopsy?
2. Can I arrange an autopsy for myself and request a particular procedure be performed?
3. Who can request an autopsy?
4. Where is the autopsy being performed?
5. Will I be able to have a funeral once the autopsy is complete?
6. How much does an autopsy cost?
7. How long does it take to get the autopsy report?
8. Why perform an autopsy?
9. Can I limit the autopsy to a particular part of the body?
10. How long does an autopsy take and when will the body be released?
11. How can families benefit from an autopsy?
12. How soon should an autopsy be performed?
13. Once the body has had an autopsy from another agency, can I have another one for a second opinion?
14. Can an exhumed body be autopsied?
15. Can I talk to somebody about my wishes and concerns regarding the autopsy?