autopsy services

Autopsy Services Presented by:

Sampada Khair

An autopsy—also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy, autopsia cadaverum, or obduction-is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present.

Objectives of autopsy To determine the cause of death To ascertain whether death is natural

or unnatural Whether the death is accidental,

suicidal or homicidal To ascertain time passes since death To establish identity of the body Whether still birth or live birth of newly

born infant

Autopsy services  provides feedback to physicians and families

regarding the disease processes associated with a patient's death. 

 major outcome of each autopsy is the accurate transmission of this information to the appropriate clinical staff in a timely manner.

 provides training for medical students and pathology residents in the principles and practice of anatomic pathology

Helps for clinical research to improve medical care

location Ground floor is best location for

mortuary block and post mortem room Suitable exit Size depends on whether it is teaching

or non teaching Estimated one death per bed per year

adequate vehicular access from the service road

discreetly sited away from clinical, kitchen and dining areas, with no direct entry to public and staff

located at ground level the need for convenience of access by the

various users (staff, visitors and undertakers) the need for the mortuary to be associated

with/or near a histopathology lab number of entrances will be determined by

whether the building is freestanding or linked directly to other hospital buildings

Mortuary block A morgue or mortuary (in a hospital or

elsewhere) is used for the storage of human corpses awaiting identification or removal for autopsy or disposal by burial, cremation or other method.

Consist of mortuary room with racks for dead bodies

Cold storage arrangements should be available. Temperature below 4 degree

Post-mortem room Equipped with two drainage boards and

two large sinks Floor should be stain proof and easily

washable Sufficient light Drains with abundant water supply Lights and electrical fittings shold be in

good working condition

Storage lockers, needed for holding personal clothing and other personal items

Floors and drainage: Channel gratings should be designed in short sections, which can be easily lifted and disinfected by submersion in a sink or container.

Drains should be of sufficient diameter to prevent blockages, particularly waste pipes from sinks

Lay out I-------------------------------------------

CLEAN DIRTY* the reception area * waiting room(s) * the PM room * the dirty utility room/instr- * interview/counselling ument store room(s) * the body store* bier room(s)* offices* the general purpose and linen store* the observation area* the staff changing areas * The specimen store

PM Department

LAYOUT OF DEPARTMENT

The coroner’s roleCoroner is a magistrate who investigate reportable deaths. This include deaths where• Identity of the person-unknown• Death was violent or unnatural• The was suspicious• The cause of death is unknown• The death occurred in care• The death occurred in custody• The death was the unexpected outcome of

the healthcare to be provided

Medical Officer Can give cause of death->without the

autopsy->can fill in death intimation card->giving cause of death->send to coroner->send deposition form duly filled in within 24 hours

Cannot give cause of death without autopsy->contact coroner’s office->get his permission for autopsy->after PM death intimation filled and signed by MO and countersigned by RMO->sent to coroner->deposition should reach within 24 hrs.

Organisational structure • Professor and associate professor-establish policies and procedures-essential managerial and administrative procedures-teaching and training• Lecturer-assisting the section in charge• Lab technician-accept specimens , carry out tests ,

maintain records and equipments• Lab attendants• Sweeper • Record assistant• Clerk/stenographer/artist/photographer

THANK YOU