Autopsy

Postmortem Examination

Why It Is Done

An autopsy is done to:

• Determine as precisely as possible what caused the death. This can sometimes 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:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: October 16, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Corinne L. Fligner, MD - Anatomic Pathology
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