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The “Complete Autopsy”

The Management of Risk

  • Chapter
Forensic Pathology of Trauma

Part of the book series: Forensic Science and Medicine ((FSM))

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Abstract

Many medicolegal death investigations rely on information derived from autopsies. The success of an autopsy in answering questions (e.g., identification, injury causation) depends on a systematic approach by the pathologist. The “complete autopsy” is a series of necessary steps taken by the pathologist, who receives background information about the deceased, performs an external examination and internal dissection, and collects appropriate bodily samples for supplementary testing. The care exercised by the pathologist in this process is reflected in an accurate autopsy report, which addresses the most important question—the cause of death. The pathologist must be aware of potential pitfalls at every step of the postmortem investigation, any of which can pose a risk to the final resolution of a medicolegal investigation.

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(2007). The “Complete Autopsy”. In: Forensic Pathology of Trauma. Forensic Science and Medicine. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-138-3_1

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