Indication for autopsy

Indication for autopsy1. Clinical autopsy Cancer patients in whom there is no prior tissue diagnosis or the source of the primary is unknown. Patients dying of internal bleeding not identified as to source. Patients with infections of undetermined type and/or source including those potentially related to bio-terrorism. Transplant patients and organ and/or tissue donors. Deaths associated with blood component transfusions. Patients with known or suspected therapeutic complications that may have contributed to death (e.g. pharmacotherapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgical or other invasive procedure). Patients who have participated in clinical trials (protocols) approved by the institutional review board. Death in which there is a known or suspected congenital malformation, genetic disease, syndrome or undefined metabolic disease. Patients with suspected environmental exposure or occupational exposure. Death where there is no adequate clinical explanation. Deaths occurring at any age in which it is believe that an autopsy would disclose a known or suspected disease which may have a bearing on survivors. (source: College of American Pathologists 2007 Guidelines)2. Forensic autopsythe death is known or suspected to have been caused by apparent criminal violence. the death is unexpected and unexplained in an infant or child.the death is associated with police action. the death is apparently non-natural and in custody of a local, state, or federal institution. the death is due to acute workplace injury. the death is caused by apparent electrocution. the death is by apparent intoxication by alcohol, drugs, or poison. the death is caused by unwitnessed or suspected drowning. the body is unidentified and the autopsy may aid in identification. the body is skeletonized. the body is charred. the forensic pathologist deems a forensic autopsy is necessary to determine cause or manner of death or collect evidence. the deceased is the driver or passenger in a motor vehicle who is dead at the scene or dies in a hospital before his/her injuries can be determined and documented.

(source: The National Association of Medical Examiners, United States)