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An autopsy , also known as a post-mortem examination, is a specialized surgical procedure used to determine the cause and manner of death.
The autopsy entails an external examination of the body's surface, an internal examination of every organ in the chest and abdominal cavities and the head. The examination also includes complete photographic documentation. Bodily fluids (blood, vitreous) are routinely drawn and saved in refrigeration for possible toxicology analysis. Partial autopsy options are also available.
An autopsy should be performed as soon as possible to prevent decomposition changes from interfering with the examination findings. However, an autopsy can be performed on embalmed, decomposed, and disinterred bodies with prominent Pathological significance.
Yes, an autopsy can be performed on an embalmed body. However, the chemicals used in the embalming process can interfere with most toxicology analyses.
Any family member or close friend can request an autopsy with proper authorization from the decedent's legal next of kin.
A decedent's legal next of kin could be their parent if they are unmarried, their surviving spouse, their oldest adult child (if unmarried/divorced and parents are deceased) or the oldest adult sibling. Contact us for more information.
A county Coroner or Medical Examiner has jurisdiction over certain deaths, including unexpected and unnatural deaths, homicides, suicides, accidents, violent or unusual deaths, and those deaths where the decedent has not been seen by a physician 20 days prior to death.
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