A post mortem, also known as an autopsy, involves a detailed examination of a deceased person's body to determine the cause of death and investigate any disease or injury that may have been present.
Here's a breakdown of what typically happens during a post mortem examination:
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External Examination: The pathologist begins by carefully examining the outside of the body. This includes noting any visible injuries, scars, or other distinguishing features. They will also document the presence and nature of any medical interventions that may have occurred.
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Internal Examination: The next step involves making incisions to open the body and examine the internal organs. This is typically done using a "Y" shaped incision from the shoulders to the pubic bone.
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Organ Examination: Each organ is then carefully inspected for any abnormalities. This includes:
- Visual inspection: Noting the size, shape, color, and texture of each organ.
- Palpation: Feeling the organ for any masses, irregularities, or hardening.
- Weighing: Determining the weight of each organ, which can provide clues about disease or injury.
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Tissue Sampling: Tissue samples are routinely taken from various organs for microscopic examination (histology). These samples are processed, stained, and examined under a microscope to identify cellular abnormalities and signs of disease.
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Special Investigations: In some cases, additional investigations may be required, such as:
- Toxicology: Testing blood and other bodily fluids for the presence of drugs or poisons.
- Microbiology: Culturing tissue samples to identify infectious agents.
- Genetic testing: Analyzing DNA to identify genetic disorders or predispositions to disease.
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Organ Removal and Retention (Occasionally): While organs are typically returned to the body after examination, in some instances, organs or tissue samples may be retained for further analysis or research. This is more rare than organs being put back. Informed consent is usually sought for retaining organs.
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Reconstruction: After the internal examination is complete, the body is carefully reconstructed, and incisions are closed.
The information gathered during a post mortem examination can be crucial for:
- Determining the cause of death.
- Understanding the mechanisms of disease.
- Identifying public health threats.
- Providing information for legal or insurance purposes.
- Advancing medical knowledge through research.
