American Autopsy Services

Facts

When is an Autopsy Recommended?

Conducting an autopsy is considered standard practice on the occasion of any death. However, it is not always practical, or even possible in every case to perform an autopsy. Therefore, there are specific circumstances attendant to a death in which an autopsy is more strongly indicated:

Any death, apparently natural, but also mysterious or unexpected and not otherwise subject to a forensic medical jurisdiction.

The death of any patient who took part in any type of clinical trial.

The unexplained or unexpected death, occurring or following any medical, surgical or dental diagnostic procedure or therapy.

A natural death, while falling under forensic medical jurisdiction, where the autopsy is waived, such as a death where evidence shows the patient sustained an injury while hospitalized; a hospital death where the patient died within 24 hours of admission, or a person pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital.

Any case where autopsy results can help family or other interested parties come to an understanding about the death, allay fears and doubt and help facilitate closure.

Any case in which an autopsy can help the attending physician understand the causes of unknown and/or unanticipated complications.

Any case where the cause of death or a major diagnosis is unknown.

Any death resulting from high-risk infectious and contagious diseases.

Any obstetric death.

Any perinatal and pediatric death.

Any death where an autopsy could reveal a known or suspected illness that may factor into the well being of survivors or transplanted organ recipients.

Any death where environmental or occupational hazards were present or suspected.

Any death where there is a need to document inherited diseases such as colon cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, etc.

Any death where the family is considering litigation.

Any death when the family plans to cremate.

When an Autopsy Must be Performed

About 20 percent of US deaths are subject to investigation by coroners or medical examiners. While autopsies are often done during the course of an investigation, they are not always required. Each case is individually evaluated to determine a cause and manner of death. In cases where there is already sufficient evidence to determine cause and manner, it may be adjudicated that no autopsy is required. If such a determination cannot be made, the law may require an autopsy to establish the facts. Such autopsies do not require the family's permission and are conducted at taxpayer expense. If not otherwise ordered, families have the right to request an autopsy at their own expense.

Guidelines for death investigations, to include autopsy, vary among each state, but generally state statutes require death investigation and autopsy for each of the following:

Any death due to homicide, suicide or accidents, including vehicle crashes, falls, drowning, burns, ingestion of toxic compounds, etc.

Unusual circumstances surrounding a death where foul play is suspected.

Any workplace death.

Any death caused by an agent or disease presenting a threat to public health.

A sudden or suspicious, unexplained or unexpected death.

A SIDS related death.

Any death of a person in custody, incarceration or confinement.

Any death of a person institutionalized for reasons other than organic illness or disease.

The death of persons to be cremated.

A hospital death where the patient was admitted unconscious or died within 24 hours of admission.

Any infant or fetal death related to anesthesia, medical procedures, maternal drug abuse, unlawful abortion or stillbirth occurring outside a hospital.

Any death related to a medical procedure.

Any death related to anesthesia, post anesthesia or immediate postoperative period.

Death related to delayed effect of injury such as post-traumatic seizure, pulmonary embolism after hip fracture, etc.

The thoroughness of death investigations varies from case to case. Due to time and budget constraints, the extent of the Coroner or Medical Examiner's investigation may be limited, and autopsies are not done in all cases. Sometimes an external examination of the body or a basic review of medical records makes up the entirety of a postmortem examination.

When to Seek an Independent Resource

It can happen that the questions about some deaths endure beyond the best determinations and explanations of investigators. Even a Coroner or Medical Examiner ordered autopsy does not always dispel the mystery that lingers on to tax the time, energy and emotions of a surviving family. American Autopsy Services' professionals have a vested interest in discovering the most elusive answers, and with these answers, they bring closure to the family by helping them understand the cause and manner of death of their loved one. We go well beyond Health Department requirements and legal protocols, as needed to provide fully independent, complete and conclusive findings. If a family elects to appoint an independent pathologist to witness a Coroner or Medical Examiner ordered autopsy, or chooses to have a complete autopsy and lab work conducted where none have been ordered, American Autopsy Services is there to fill that need. All existing technologies and procedures are available to shed light on remaining questions and end uncertainties to help bring about final closure.

To learn more about whether or not the appointment of an independent pathologist is right for your particular circumstances, contact American Autopsy Services.

American Autopsy Services, Inc.
Phone: 800-886-1AAS (800-886-1227)
E-mail - info@AmericanAutopsy.com