by Marvin Macatol

Created on: August 16, 2010

The procedure for an autopsy consists generally of (a) securing the authority to do the autopsy, (b) performing the actual autopsy and (c) conducting laboratory tests on samples of fluids and tissues. The entire process takes into account a heavy mix of legal, emotional and medical considerations.

Securing the Authority

The authority to perform an autopsy is an integral part of the procedure because an autopsy cannot be performed by just anybody. This is to ensure that we accord proper respect for the deceased and the sensibilities of the family; and that, in the same breath, we gather reliable conclusions worthy of reference by the court and the medical profession for the greater good.

The State can order an autopsy, with or without the permission of the next of kin, when a crime has been committed or suspected to have been committed. A doctor who is unclear about the cause of one's death may require an autopsy, with or without the permission of the next of kin, to ascertain the cause of death before he signs the death certificate. Conversely, it is possible that the family of the deceased—through the next of kin—will request for the autopsy. All circumstances outside of these require the permission of the next of kin.

Performing the Autopsy

The people authorized to perform an autopsy are the pathologists. Other people may however be present during the procedure: photographers, evidence technicians, the police, etc. The next of kin or a member of the family may choose to be present as well.

There is no standard on where the pathologists should conduct the autopsy. It can be done in a hospital facility, a clinic, or the funeral parlor. What is essential is that the autopsy should not delay the funeral arrangements and preserve the physical appearance of the deceased. The entire procedure can last between 2-6 hours, depending on level of complication.

The first part of the procedure is the examination of the external parts of the body. The skin, in particular, is thoroughly examined for manifestations of internal diseases, as well as for any mark or wound. Tattoos and birth marks help in confirming the identity of the deceased. Bullet holes, wounds, lacerations, and the like help in unraveling the circumstances surrounding one's violent death. The eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hair and fingernails are, of course, examined as well for the same reasons.

Next, the pathologists open the body with Y-shaped incisions spanning from the shoulders to the mid-chest,

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