An autopsy is a medical procedure that
consists of a thorough examination performed on a body after death, to evaluate
disease or injury that may be present and to determine the cause and manner of
a person's death.
The decision about an autopsy occurs at a
difficult time for most families since they have just lost a loved one.
Counselors or spiritual advisors who specialize in bereavement services may be
available to help families through the process. Family members may consider an
- When a medical condition has not been
- If there are questions about an unexpected
death that appears due to natural causes.
- If there are genetic
diseases or conditions that they also may be at risk for
- When the death occurs unexpectedly during medical,
dental, surgical, or obstetric procedures.
- When the cause of death
could affect legal matters.
- When the death occurs during experimental treatment.
For more information, see:
- Autopsy: Should I Have an Autopsy Done on My Loved One?
An autopsy may be required in deaths that have medical and
legal issues and that must be investigated by the
medical examiner's or
coroner's office, the governmental office that is
responsible for investigating deaths that are important to the public's health
and welfare. Deaths that must be reported to and investigated by the medical
examiner's or coroner's office can vary by state and may include those that
- Suddenly or unexpectedly, including the sudden
death of a child or adult, or the death of a person who was not under the care
of a doctor at the time of death.
- As a result of any type of injury, including a fall, motor
vehicle accident (MVA), drug overdose, or poisoning.
- Under suspicious circumstances, such as a
suicide or murder.
- Under other circumstances defined by law.
In some of these deaths an autopsy may be required, and the
coroner or medical examiner has the legal authority to order an autopsy without
the consent of the deceased person's family (next of kin). If an autopsy is not
required by law, it cannot be performed unless the deceased person's family
An autopsy is generally performed by a doctor
(pathologist) who has training and expertise in the
examination of body tissues and fluids.