Facts And Purpose Of Autospy (8 Things To Know About Autopsy)

FACTS ABOUT AUTOSPY 

An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, is to determine the cause of death of an individual by conducting a thorough examination of their body. Autopsies are typically performed by medical professionals, such as pathologists, and involve a systematic dissection and analysis of organs, tissues, and bodily fluids.

DURATION

Forensic pathologist Dr. Stephen J. Cina says that autopsies are best if performed within 24 hours of death, before organs deteriorate, and ideally before embalming, which can interfere with toxicology and blood cultures. But autopsies performed on decomposed or even exhumed bodies can still provide vital new information, depending on the extent of decomposition.

Autopsies usually take two to four hours to perform. Preliminary results can be released within 24 hours, but the full results of an autopsy may take up to six weeks to prepare.

PURPOSE OF AUTOSPY

The purpose of an autopsy can vary depending on the circumstances. Generally, autopsies serve several purposes:

1. Determine Cause of Death – Autopsies help identify the specific medical condition or injury that led to a person’s death. This information is crucial for legal and medical purposes, such as determining if foul play was involved, assessing medical treatment or malpractice, understanding the progression of diseases, or contributing to epidemiological research.

2. Confirm or Revise Clinical Diagnosis – Sometimes, the cause of death may not be well-defined or accurately diagnosed during the person’s life. An autopsy can help confirm or revise the initial clinical diagnosis, providing more accurate information for future medical treatments and research.

3. Genetic or Hereditary Analysis – Autopsies can provide insights into genetic or hereditary diseases that might affect the deceased individual’s family members. Identifying specific genes or mutations can help family members understand their own risks and facilitate genetic counseling.

4. Teaching and Education – Autopsies are valuable teaching tools for medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals. By examining various pathologies and disease processes, autopsies contribute to medical education and the improvement of diagnostic skills.

5. Research Purposes – Autopsy findings often contribute to medical research, helping scientists and researchers understand disease mechanisms, evaluate treatment effectiveness, identify trends, and develop new therapies.

It is important to note that autopsies require consent from the deceased person’s family or legal guardian, unless the death is under legal investigation, falls under certain jurisdictional requirements, or the individual had previously given consent before their death.

POST MORTEM EXAMINATION

An autopsy is a detailed and careful medical examination of a person’s body and its organs after death to help establish the cause of death, according to https://australian.museum/ (PUNCHNG)

1. External Examination – The first step in any forensic autopsy is the external examination of the body.

2. Internal Examination – To expose the internal organs, the pathologist must open the body.

3. Viewing the Internal Organs – The organs include lungs, heart, liver, stomach, large intestines, and small intestines.

4. Removing the Organs – This method involves removing the body’s organs all at once. The organs are dissected one by one and during the examination, the forensic pathologist will collect small samples of tissue for further examination under the microscope.

5. Removing the Brain – After the necessary procedure and incision, the entire brain will gently be lifted out of the cranial vault.

6. Examining the Organs – All organs, except for the intestines and stomach are weighed.

7. Returning Organs to the Body – Following the examination, organs are returned to the body except for the small fragments of tissue sampled for microscopic examination.

8. Sewing up the Body – After the pathologist has finished the examination and the organs are returned to the body, the post-mortem technician will sew back up the body.

Mohbad’s autopsy concluded and awaiting results. The Nigeria Police Force hereby earnestly urges any family members or close associates possessing valuable information pertaining to this case to come forward and cooperate with the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that justice is served and the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s demise are thoroughly examined.