An autopsy is a systematic examination of a body after death conducted by a forensic pathologist. The pathologist looks for disease or injury that may have caused or contributed to the death. In order to do this, incisions are carefully made on the body to explore the head, neck, chest and abdomen. Removed organs are examined individually. Small samples of each organ are routinely retained in case additional testing is necessary. The remaining organs are returned with the body for burial or cremation. During the procedure, samples of body fluids and organs are obtained for toxicology or other analysis. Documentation of findings during the exam are done by handwritten notes, diagrams and photography.
At OMI, all autopsies are performed by or under the direct supervision of a board-certified forensic pathologist, with the assistance of morphology services and forensic photographers.
In about one third of the cases investigated by the Medical Investigator an autopsy will be required. The primary concern is to determine whether death resulted from disease, from injury, or from a combination of disease and injury. When death results from physical injuries, the autopsy frequently provides a means to reconstruct the fatal episode. The autopsy also serves to provide information in the case of unidentified persons. To see a detailed list please see: Reportable Deaths.
A standard forensic autopsy will take two to three hours. Complicated medical cases or cases of traumatic deaths with multiple injuries can take longer in order to fully document all observations. All autopsies in New Mexico are done at the Medical Investigator facility at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque. The time involved in transporting cases to and from Albuquerque must be considered when funeral services are planned.
No. The incisions used for an autopsy are made in locations of the body that can be readily hidden from view. Every effort is made by the autopsy staff to not disfigure the body. Similar care is taken during organ and tissue recovery for donation.
In all cases investigated by the Medical Investigator, including those where autopsies are not conducted, fluids are taken for toxicological tests. The results of the tests are often important factors in being able to determine a cause and manner of the death, and in providing motives and explanation for behaviors. In New Mexico, these tests are performed at the State Laboratory in Albuquerque, as well as other contracted laboratories.
When family members object to an autopsy based upon religious, cultural or other beliefs, every effort to honor that objection will be made. However, if the public responsibility cannot be fulfilled without performing the autopsy, the family will be provided an opportunity to be represented by legal counsel and to have their objection presented to a judge before the autopsy is performed, whenever possible.