Autopsy
Postmortem Examination
Why It Is Done
An autopsy is done to:
- Determine as precisely as possible what caused the death. This can provide family members with information about diseases or conditions that they also may be at risk for developing.
- Confirm or exclude a disease diagnosis made before death (such as Alzheimer's disease). An autopsy also may be done to help understand how a given disease progresses or to determine the effectiveness of the treatment for that disease.
- Document the presence of a disease that was undiagnosed before death.
- Collect samples of body fluids or tissues for possible genetic testing. This is generally done only after discussion with the deceased person's family.
- Collect evidence and information in criminal cases.
- Help health departments or other government agencies identify and track a disease or potential public health hazard (such as a suspected contagious disease or contaminated drinking water).
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| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: January 17, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Corinne L. Fligner, MD - Anatomic Pathology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
 | Why It Is Done |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| Credits | |