S2) Learning from the Dead Flashcards
1
Q
What are the 3 types of autopsy conducted today?
A
- Medicolegal
- Forensic
- Consensual (hospital)
2
Q
How is a medicolegal autopsy conducted?
A
- Autopsy is performed on behalf of HM Coroner
- No consent needed
3
Q
How is a forensic autopsy conducted?
A
- Autopsy is performed in cases of suspicious deaths
- Sub-type of coroner’s post-mortems
4
Q
How is a consensual autopsy conducted?
A
- Autopsy is conducted with consent from next of kin
- Examination may be limited
5
Q
Identify the 4 steps involved in an autopsy
A
- History
- External examination
- Internal examination
- Additional tests
6
Q
Explain the process of external examination
A
- Ascertain any natural diseases, injuries or medical interventions
- Perhaps use imaging
7
Q
Explain the process of internal examination
A
- All internal systems examined in most cases
- Limited internal examination in consensual cases
8
Q
Identify 5 types of additional tests performed in an autopsy
A
- Histology
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Genetics
9
Q
Briefly describe the following autopsy tests:
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
A
- Toxicology: blood, urine, bile, therapeutic and recreational drugs
- Biochemistry: diabetic/alcoholic ketoacidosis, renal failure
10
Q
Briefly describe the following autopsy tests:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
A
- Microbiology: bacteria, viruses, fungi
- Genetics: DNA fingerprinting
11
Q
What are some common causes of sudden death?
A
- Extradural haemorrhage
- Subdural haemorrhage
- Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage
- Stroke
- Coronary thrombosis
- Valvular disease