Autopsy Information for Next of Kin

When a person dies, the family is grieving, may feel confused, and have many questions. One way to help the family understand what has happened to their loved one is to perform an autopsy.

What is an Autopsy?

An autopsy is an examination of the body after death. The autopsy is done by a pathologist, a medical doctor who is specially trained in this type of procedure. An autopsy is done as soon as possible after death and takes about two to four hours to perform. The autopsy may be done on the entire body, which is a complete autopsy, or it may be limited to one area of the body. For example, in the case of a suspected heart attack, some doctors and families request that the autopsy is limited to the chest area. However, limiting the autopsy may reduce its value.

The autopsy room is a special place for gathering medical knowledge, where a body is treated with dignity, and the wishes of the family are respected.

In a complete autopsy, samples of most organs are taken and are examined under a microscope to look for diseases such as cancer or infection. Other tests may include identifying genes associated with disease or checking for toxic substances.

When the examination is complete, a written report is done. The final report takes about one to three months to prepare due to the detailed studies that may be done. The report becomes a permanent part of the patient’s medical record.

Consent for Autopsy

In some cases, the law requires that an autopsy be performed. When an autopsy is not required by law, consent must be obtained from the legally designated responsible party. This is usually the next of kin. The province of Alberta has set out the order of legally designated responsible parties who can consent to an autopsy. This order is listed on the Region’s Consent for Autopsy form.

When giving consent, the family:

should consider the expressed wishes of the deceased
can make special requests or limit the autopsy.

In some cases, patients have told their family that they wish to have an autopsy done or have signed a personal directive for an autopsy.

If you change your mind before the autopsy has taken place, you can change or withdraw your consent.

Why Perform an Autopsy?

The main purpose of an autopsy is to answer questions the family or doctor(s) may have about the illness, the effects of treatment, cause of death and/or other medical conditions. Knowing the cause of death can be a source of comfort to families. The information learned through an autopsy increases medical knowledge and may help others with similar conditions. Here are some examples of the benefits of autopsy:

Finding an infectious disease like tuberculosis may lead to early diagnosis and treatment to help other family members and close contacts
Discovering inherited or diseases that run in families may help families through early diagnosis, treatment and in family planning.
Finding proof of a work-related disease might lead to compensation for the family.
Supplying crucial information for the settling of insurance claims or death benefits.
Increasing knowledge about the effects of new medical and surgical treatments.

Common Questions

Is there a charge for the autopsy?

There is no charge for autopsies on patients who died within the Calgary Health Region.

How do I get the results of the autopsy?

The autopsy report is not sent to the family. However, you can ask the family doctor or the doctor who looked after the patient in hospital for a copy of the report. The autopsy findings can be discussed with the family doctor.

Will the autopsy affect funeral arrangements?

No, an autopsy should not delay a funeral or affect viewing of the body. Funeral directors and pathologists work together closely so that the final arrangements can be made.

Are there religious conflicts?

People may worry that performing an autopsy may conflict with religious beliefs. Religious decisions are always personal. You may want to talk to other family members and religious or spiritual advisors.

Does the pathologist keep any organs?

The small samples of organs taken for routine examination are kept for up to 20 years as part of the medical record of the autopsy. These samples are available for further diagnostic testing and/or second opinions.

The pathologist may also keep some organs to complete diagnostic testing or for approved teaching purposes. Organs that are often kept for more detailed examination include the heart and brain. Once the autopsy is completed, organs that were kept for these purposes are cremated following strict hospital standards. Families may request that these organs not be cremated and be released to the funeral home by giving specific instructions on the Consent for Autopsy form.

Families may consent to the donation of organs and/or tissues for long-term teaching and for research. These requests can be made on the Consent for Autopsy form. In these cases, information identifying the person will be removed from the specimen.

Will the autopsy be used for teaching?

Yes. The autopsy has an important role in the teaching of medical and nursing students and the training of pathologists. Trainees are supervised at all times, and patient confidentiality is maintained.

Will the autopsy tissues be used for research?

Tissues kept in the laboratory may be used for research. Research projects are carefully reviewed and must be approved by the Calgary Health Region Scientific Review Committee and the Regional Conjoint Ethics Committee. In some cases the family may be contacted to give their consent to the research.

Other questions?

If you have more questions about autopsy, please talk to the doctor, nurse or chaplain. They can arrange for you to speak to someone in the Pathology Department.

If you would like more information, or have questions about organ and/or tissue donation, the doctor can direct you to an appropriate organ and tissue donation program.

Acknowledgement:
Calgary Laboratory Services acknowledges the College of American Pathologists and their publication Autopsy: Aiding the Living By Understanding Death used as a sample in the development of this brochure.