Autopsy And Exhumation Flashcards
What is the definition of autopsy?
Postmortem examination of a dead body by dissecting it.
What are the three types of autopsies?
- Pathological autopsy
- Medicolegal autopsy
- Anatomical autopsy
What is a pathological autopsy?
Clinical autopsy done to determine the disease causing death, performed by a pathologist with consent of relatives.
What is a medicolegal autopsy?
Autopsy done in unnatural deaths to find out cause, manner, and time of death, conducted without consent of relatives after an inquest.
What is an anatomical autopsy?
Autopsy done to study the structure of the human body, performed by an anatomist on unclaimed bodies or donated bodies.
When is a medicolegal autopsy conducted?
In all types of unnatural deaths with a registered case in the police station after an inquest.
What is the ideal setting for conducting an autopsy?
In daylight or a daylight setting to appreciate color changes.
What temperature should a dead body be kept at for autopsy?
4°C.
What temperature is required to keep a body for long durations?
-20°C.
What is the primary objective of a medicolegal autopsy?
- To find out the cause of death
- To find out the manner of death
- To find out the time since death
- To establish identity when unknown
- To find out the manner of causation of injuries
- To collect relevant materials and tissues for evidence
- To determine live birth and viability in newborns.
What is the position of the forensic surgeon during a postmortem?
The forensic surgeon should stand on the right side of the body.
What type of incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy?
A midline incision is sufficient for a routine autopsy.
What is an I-shaped incision?
A midline incision extending from the chin straight down to the pubis avoiding the umbilicus.
What is a Y-shaped incision?
An incision from the xiphisternum to either side under the breast extending up to the acromion and from the xiphisternum a midline incision to the pubis.
What is a Modified Y-shaped incision?
An incision from the mastoid process to the suprasternal notch and from the suprasternal notch a midline incision downwards.
What is a T-shaped incision?
An incision from the suprasternal notch to the pubic symphysis with lateral limbs of ‘T’ to both shoulders.
What is a medicolegal autopsy?
An autopsy conducted in the context of legal investigation.
What type of cases require a medicolegal autopsy?
Cases under IPC.
Is an inquest required for a medicolegal autopsy?
Yes, an inquest is required.
Is the consent of relatives required for a medicolegal autopsy?
No, consent of relatives is not required.
Who can request a medicolegal autopsy?
Request from investigation officer.
What is the primary purpose of a medicolegal autopsy?
To find out the cause of death in unnatural deaths like suicides, homicides, and accidents.
What additional information does a medicolegal autopsy provide?
To find out the time and manner of death.
What is another purpose of a medicolegal autopsy?
Identification in case of unknown bodies.
What is a pathological autopsy?
An autopsy conducted to determine the disease that caused death.
Does a pathological autopsy require a case to be filed?
No case is required.
Is an inquest required for a pathological autopsy?
No, an inquest is not required.
Who can request a pathological autopsy?
Request from treating doctor.
What is the main focus of a pathological autopsy?
To find out the disease which caused death.
Are the time and manner of death relevant in a pathological autopsy?
Not relevant.
Is identification necessary in a pathological autopsy?
Not necessary.
What are universal precautions?
Precautions taken during autopsies in cases of HIV and HBV.
Who should be admitted to the autopsy room?
No unauthorized person.
List the protective clothing required during an autopsy.
- Full sleeve gowns
- Plastic apron
- Head cap
- N95 particulate mask
- Goggles
- Double gloves (heavy autopsy glove over surgical glove)
- Waterproof rubber gum boots of knee length with shoe covers.
What type of visor is recommended for eye protection?
A plastic visor.
How can exposure to needle stick injuries be minimized?
By using blunt needles and bulb syringes.
What should be done with instruments after use?
Dipped in 2% glutaraldehyde (Cidex) within 30 minutes, washed with soap and water, dried, and then rinsed in methylated spirit or autoclaved.
What should be done with disposable items like gauze and aprons?
They should be incinerated.
How should the autopsy table and floor be cleaned?
With a 1% bleaching solution (sodium hypochlorite).
What can be used instead of suture needles?
Suture closing tapes.
What steps should be taken in case of an accidental cut or needle prick?
- Wash the area in running water
- Wash with bleaching solution
- Encourage bleeding
- Disinfect the wound.
What is the definition of exhumation?
Digging out of an already buried body from the burial place
Is there a time limit for exhumation in India?
No time limit
What is one reason for exhumation in criminal cases?
Suspected homicide disguised as suicides or natural death
List two reasons for exhumation related to criminal cases.
- Death as a result of criminal abortion
- Death due to criminal negligence
What is a reason for exhumation related to retrieving evidence?
To retrieve some vital objects like bullets from the body
What is one reason for exhumation in civil cases?
Identification of the deceased for insurance claims
List three civil case reasons for exhumation.
- Workman’s compensation
- Inheritance of property
- Burial of a wrong body by mistake or fraud
What is a psychological autopsy?
An investigation by reconstructing a person’s state of mind before death.
It involves analyzing various sources of information to understand the deceased’s mental state.
What types of information are gathered during a psychological autopsy?
- Personal documents
- Police records
- Medical records
- Interviews with family, friends, and relatives
These sources help to piece together the deceased’s mental state and circumstances leading to death.
What can be determined from a psychological autopsy?
The manner and cause of death.
This analysis aims to provide insights into the psychological factors that may have contributed to the death.
