An autopsy is performed on a deceased person by a pathologist (a specialized doctor) or a coroner. The procedure generally serves to determine four specific things: the time of death, the cause of death, the presence of any damage to the body (including those caused by disease), and the type of death (suicide, homicide, or natural causes). This operation should not be attempted without years of professional experience behind it.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparatory Steps Before Performing the Autopsy
Step 1. Understand what the procedure is
An autopsy is a detailed post-mortem examination (and dissection) of the human body. It is performed to determine with certain accuracy the time and cause of death, as well as the presence of trauma and / or disease.
- The procedure is done by a highly skilled pathologist or coroner who knows how to properly analyze body tissues and fluids.
- If the person's death is the subject of forensic investigation, then an autopsy is a legal requirement.
- Likewise, if the individual dies during a clinical trial, then an autopsy is required to obtain the information on the cause of death.
- Otherwise, the choice to carry out the procedure is left to the relatives of the deceased. Common causes for family members to seek post-mortem investigation are uncertainty of cause of death or fear of genetic pathologies that could affect other relatives.
Step 2. Get permission
Generally, consent is given by family members, but if the death falls under police investigation, the court will request and authorize the autopsy.
- Obtaining permission to proceed is a critical step and often requires a signed form in the presence of witnesses.
- Make sure you have cleared all paperwork before starting an autopsy.
Step 3. Obtain the necessary data before starting the procedure
There are many factors that revolve around the death of an individual and it is important to know their complete medical history, as well as a detailed description of the events that led to their death. In this way the study and dissection of the body will become even more useful.
- Police play an important role in investigating the "crime scene", if a crime has occurred, and in analyzing further evidence that may support the potential reason for death.
- Depending on the suspected cause of death, the autopsy could be conducted only in certain parts and not on the whole body; this detail varies from case to case. For example, if a person has died as a result of lung disease, a lung test will be sufficient to confirm the reason for death.
Part 2 of 2: Perform the Autopsy
Step 1. Start the external exam
First, note the body's height, weight, age, and sex. Also write down any particular features, such as birthmarks, scars, or tattoos.
- You should also take fingerprints at this point, as they may be useful for police investigations.
- Check clothes and skin for something out of the ordinary. Look for any drops of blood, traces of organic material, or any residue on your clothing. Also write any bruises, wounds, or skin marks in the report.
- Photographs are useful for documenting the appearance of any significant detection or anomalous detail you observe during the exam. Remember to take pictures of the body both dressed and naked.
- Take notes written by hand or through a voice recording program so that a medical transcriber can write the report later.
Step 2. Take x-rays
This exam allows you to identify any bone fractures or medical implants, such as a pacemaker. What is revealed by the x-rays also helps during the body identification process.
Look for any dental work. These are often used to identify bodies
Step 3. Inspect the genital area for signs that may suggest sexual assault
Bruises and lacerations are very common in these cases.
Step 4. Take a blood sample
It can be useful for a DNA study or to understand if the victim was under the influence of drugs, if he abused alcohol or if there are traces of poisons related to death.
You should also take a urine sample directly from the bladder by aspirating it with a syringe. Just like blood, urine can be checked for drugs or poisons
Step 5. After the external inspection is finished, open the chest and abdomen of the corpse
Using a scalpel, make a large "Y" incision from each shoulder to the center of the chest and then down to the pubic bone. Open the skin and check for broken ribs.
Cut the rib cage with the costotome, open it and examine the lungs and heart. Look for any abnormalities and then take a second blood sample directly from the heart
Step 6. Inspect each organ in the rib cage individually
Weigh them one at a time, write down any particular features, and take a tissue sample in case further tests are needed.
Then, repeat the same process for the organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the spleen and intestines, as partially digested food can help determine the time of death in some cases
Step 7. Look closely at the eyes
The presence of petechiae (small red spots caused by ruptured blood vessels) can be a sign of suffocation or strangulation.
Step 8. Check your head
Look for trauma to the skull, including bruises and fractures. Then remove the skullcap and brain. Follow the same procedure that you applied in the study of the other organs. Weigh your brain and take a sample.
Step 9. Finish taking notes or recording voice notes once the autopsy is over
State the cause of death and the reasons you came to this conclusion. Mention every detail, no matter how small, as it could be the key clue to stop a murderer or to reassure relatives.
- File the report in court (assuming you had to perform a forensic autopsy); based on your results, the cause of death will be formalized.
- Finally, the body will be returned to the family who can arrange the funeral.
