Prior to Procedure

Before an autopsy, there must be positive identification of the body. An autopsy permit must be signed by the legal next-of-kin. The body is transported to the morgue and held in a refrigeration unit until the autopsy.

Description of the Procedure

Autopsies follow this general procedure:

• External examination—The body is measured. Any abnormality of the body surface is recorded.
• Opening the body:
  • A Y-shaped cut is made in the skin. It starts at the front of each shoulder and goes around the navel and down to the pubic bone. The skin, muscle, and soft tissues are separated from the chest wall.
  • Each side of the rib cage is cut to provide access to the heart and lungs.
  • The abdominal muscle is moved to expose the abdominal organs.

  Major Organs Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

• Organ removal—Using special techniques, the organs are cut and removed from the body. All organs (heart, lungs, liver, intestines, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and pelvic organs) and the major arteries are examined individually. They are weighed, washed, and dissected as necessary. Some tissue samples may be removed for further lab examination.
• Brain removal—A deep cut is made into the scalp. The incision runs from behind one ear, over the crown of the head, to behind the other ear. Skin and soft tissues are peeled down across the face in the front to the nape of the neck in the back. A cut is made through the skull. The brain is lifted and placed in a preserving solution for 2 weeks. This makes it firmer and easier to handle.

The body is sewn back together after the autopsy is complete. Procedures vary regarding organ replacement. Dissected organs may be returned to the body or incinerated. If the organs are not returned to the body, the mortician will put filler in the body cavity to retain the body's shape.

Immediately After Procedure

Tissue samples may be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are available within a few weeks. A final autopsy report is usually completed in 30 to 60 days.

How Long Will It Take?

The autopsy typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the reason and level of complexity.