The waiting game can be difficult if the cause and manner of a loved one’s death was uncertain you’re waiting for the autopsy results. It can take months for the medical examiner’s office to conduct all of their tests and verify the information. When they finally do, the results will be recorded in an autopsy report.
While you’re waiting, check out the information below to know what’s in an autopsy report and how to read it.
Who Provides the Autopsy Report
The autopsy report will be issued by the local medical examiner’s office. The tests that are conducted and report findings will be completed by a licensed forensic pathologist at the office. A pathologist is a doctor that specializes in diseases and is trained in studying body tissue, blood and bodily fluids.
Information About the Medical Examiner’s Office
Usually the first thing you’ll see at the top of the first page of an autopsy report is information about the medical examiner’s office. Included will be the contact information for the office and names of the doctors conducting the tests.
Information About the Deceased
The autopsy report will then display information about the deceased including their:
- Name
- Age
- Sex
- Eye color
- Hair color
- Details about the body including tattoos and scars
The point here is to describe the person that the autopsy was performed on so it’s clear who the autopsy report is for.
Details About the Autopsy and Testing
Much of the report will be describing the autopsy and findings for any additional tests that were performed. This provides insight into how the pathologist came to their conclusions.
External Examination
It will start by noting what was discovered with the external examination of the body. The pathologist will note markings on the body and any visible injuries.
In addition to this information there will be a visual guide. There’s an image of the front and back of a body. The pathologist will mark spots on the body which served as evidence for the cause and manner of death and describe each one. For example, if there’s a stab wound on the chest there will be a line indicating the size and location of the wound.
Internal Examination
The internal examination is another term for autopsy. It primarily consists of a description of the organs. The pathologist will also report any anomalies that they see internally as well as signs of injury.
Toxicology Test Results
If a toxicology test was done the results will be noted in the autopsy report as well.
Cause and Manner of Death
Towards the bottom there will be a space for the pathologist to write in the cause of death. There will be a section right beside it for the pathologist to select the manner of death. The manner of death will be categorized as one of the following:
- Accidental
- Natural
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Undetermined
When the manner of death is undetermined it can be frustrating. But keep in mind this is just one piece of information in the autopsy report. There’s a lot of other valuable information that can be gained and used for a second autopsy at a private forensic laboratory if needed.
Autopsy Administrative Details and Signature
Finally, there will be a section for the pathologist to choose whether the autopsy is part of an investigation and whether it was requested or ordered. At the very bottom the pathologist will provide their signature, effectively signing off on the accuracy of the test results.
There you have it. When you receive the autopsy report this is the information it will contain. If you have any questions about the results or information included in the autopsy report you should contact the medical examiner’s office.
Need help arranging a direct cremation while you wait on autopsy results? Give Direct Cremate a call or text at your earliest convenience for assistance.
