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| Pathologists presenting neuropathology findings |
Description
FAQ's
Links
Description
The Hospital Autopsy Service is located in the Douglas 1 Autopsy Pathology Laboratory in Kingston General Hospital. Approximately 150 hospital cases are completed annually. These include both adult and paediatric cases.
The postmortem exam involves:
- determining cause of death
- clinical-pathological correlations to evaluate new procedures and treatments
- medical education for residents (pathologists-in-training) and medical students
- study of disease - natural history, effect of treatment
- macroscopic and microscopic examination
- special studies involving other clinical laboratories in the department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an autopsy?
An autopsy is a surgical procedure performed post-mortem by a physician. Its purpose is to learn about the person's health during life, and to determine the cause of death. Often the cause of death is known, and the purpose of the autopsy is to determine the extent of the disease, the effects of therapy, and the presence of any undiagnosed disease.
Autopsy specimens serve as valuable educational tools. Shown are students participating in an Enrichment Mini Course in Pathology. Why do an autopsy?
An autopsy benefits the family of the deceased by providing an explanation for the death. An autopsy may reveal an underlying condition or disease with a genetic basis. This information could protect other members of the family from potential disease. The autopsy is also beneficial to the medical community. The pathologist may discuss findings with the patient's physician and other physicians at hospital conferences in order to benefit future patients. This is a way to evaluate new procedures and therapies. The autopsy is an important quality control tool used to determine the degree of consistency between clinical diagnoses and actual post mortem findings.
In medical research, tissue samples may be utilized to study certain diseases. Some research may require careful documentation of autopsy findings. Specific consent may be required for certain research protocols.
Who gives consent for an autopsy?
Consent for an autopsy must be signed by the closest surviving member of the deceased's family. This person must be an adult (over 18) and in full command of their mental faculties. They include in order of relationship:
- The spouse of any age.
- If no spouse, or if the spouse is not readily available, any child who has attained the age of majority.
- If no children or if none is readily available, either of the parents.
- If no parents or if neither is readily available, any other of the next of kin who has attained the age of majority.
* 'Readily available' means can be contacted by phone in North America.
Coroner's ActAn autopsy can only be performed when the family member has signed the Consent for Autopsy, or if deemed necessary by the coroner in a medico-legal case.
Who pays for the autopsy?
If a person dies in the hospital, the autopsy is paid for by the hospital.
Who performs the autopsy?
A pathologist, a pathologist's assistant and autopsy technicians perform the autopsy. A pathologist is a physician who studies body tissues, and must review all of the autopsy findings before signing the report. The pathologist's assistant has special training which allows him/her to perform autopsies under supervision, as well as teach and demonstrate autopsy techniques.
How soon does the autopsy need to be performed?
If someone dies in the hospital, the autopsy should be performed within 12 to 24 hours of the death. This ensures that all of the tissues are intact, and allows for a quick transfer to the funeral home.
Is it necessary to have a complete autopsy?
In order to accurately determine the cause of death, it is highly recommended that a complete autopsy be performed. A complete autopsy involves an external examination, an internal examination of all organs, including the brain, as well as microscopic analysis of various tissues. A record of the examination of all body parts will help to eliminate any questions that may arise after the body is buried or cremated.
What is a restricted autopsy?
When the family gives consent for an autopsy, they have the right to place restrictions on the autopsy such as:
Will I be able to view the body after an autopsy?
- which organs/body parts may be examined
- whether the autopsy may be used for teaching purposes
- religious restrictions
The autopsy is a procedure in which extreme care and respect are taken with the body. An autopsy will not interfere with an open casket viewing.
When will I receive the autopsy report?
The autopsy report is sent to the attending physician of the deceased. A copy is usually sent to the family doctor as well, and the family can make an appointment with this doctor to review the report.
Links
ONTARIO
Ontario Association of Pathologists
CANADA
USA