Autopsy Prosection Laboratory Procedures

Question 1

How do you know if there’s an autopsy?

Answer 1

Weekdays - check the autopsy suite

Weekends (on-call) - call Decedent Affairs

Question 2

What are the steps to an autopsy?

Answer 2

1. Pre-case preparation
2. Get dressed
3. External examination
4. Evisceration
5. Prosection
6. Gross-out with attending pathologist
7. Provisional anatomic diagnoses
8. Microscopic evaluation
9. Final anatomic diagnoses
10. Special considerations

Question 3

Why is it important to obtain a clinical history?

Answer 3

It guides the examination and histologic sampling
It identifies areas needing particular attention
It informs you if the patient is INFECTIOUS

Question 4

What should you do to prepare for an autopsy case?

Answer 4

Check the autopsy permit, especially next of kin and whether the case is limited
Look up pertinent clinical history (via chart or Maestro Care)
Page the clinician to ask if there is anything specific they would like addressed and for further history
Page the autopsy attending pathologist

Question 5

What do you need to wear to perform an autopsy?

Answer 5

Scrubs
Shoe covers and booties
Gown, apron, and sleeve covers
Gloves (two pairs!)
Bouffant or surgical cap
Face mask and face shield

Question 6

What should be included in the brief clinical history summary to the attending?

Answer 6

Time and date of both admission and death
Pertinent positive and negatives
Any limitations on the case

Question 7

Should you touch your patient’s face in any way?

Answer 7

NO

Question 8

What should be noted in the external exam?

Answer 8

ID tags and band FIRST
General appearance (sex, race, weight, habitus, etc.)
Evidence of therapy (IVs, catheters, etc.)
Evidence of procedures (scars)
Note tattoos, birthmarks, skin lesions, significant differences between limbs
Note jewelry, nail polish, etc.

Question 9

Who can give consent for an autopsy?

Answer 9

Chief medical examiner
Decedent himself or herself
Decedent’s personal executor
Next of kin (in order) - spouse, adult child/stepchild, parent or stepparent, adult sibling/half-sibling, person who accepts responsibility for final deposition, person charged by law with responsibility for final deposition

Question 10

What types of cases need to be reported to the Medical Examiner’s office?

Answer 10

Accidental deaths
Homicides, suicides, and suspicious deaths
Abortion deaths
Sudden unexpected deaths
Unattended deaths
Deaths while in police custody
Deaths in the public interest (infectious disease, occupational hazard)
Therapeutic misadventures (operative or medication)