About Autopsies

What is an autopsy?

An autopsy is an internal and external medical examination of someone who has died. The doctor performing the autopsy is a specially trained Forensic Pathologist. The pathologist looks for and documents injuries as well as diseases. Samples of organs, tissues, and body fluids are collected for testing.

Tests can include the following:

• Toxicology to determine the presence of medications, alcohol, drugs or other toxic substances
• Histology to view tissues or cells under a microscope to identify disease
• Microbiology to determine the presence of infection from bacteria, fungus or viruses
• Evidentiary items may also be collected at autopsy. This includes trace evidence, hair, bullets, nail clippings, swabs, or other foreign objects.

Is an autopsy necessary?

Our office reviews the facts of each, individual death to determine what type of examination is necessary. The goal is to determine cause and manner of death. In some cases, that requires an autopsy.

Does an autopsy affect the funeral arrangements?

An autopsy should not affect funeral services. The incisions made during autopsy should not be visible during the funeral. In most cases the procedure should not delay the funeral.

Will I have to pay for an autopsy?

No. There is no charge to your family when an autopsy falls under the legal responsibility of our office. Our office charges a fee to the funeral home whenever we sign a death certificate. The funeral home may forward this fee on to your family.

Can we request a private autopsy?

If we determine an autopsy is not necessary, but your family still wishes to have one, we will provide you with a list of resources. The list includes agencies that do private autopsies. Your family will be responsible for the cost of the procedure.