In the case of a private autopsy, only the legal next of kin can authorize an autopsy. A medical examiner, coroner, or justice of the peace may also authorize autopsy examinations when they fall under their jurisdiction. Texas law specifies that consent for an autopsy be provided by in the order listed : 1. Spouse 2. Any child of legal age 3.
Guardian or court having care of minor child 4. A parent 5. A guardian 6. The next of kin other relative 7. Any person who assumes custody of and responsibility for the burial of the body. Please note that a Power of Attorney expires when an individual dies. Contact American Forensics for pricing specific to your needs. Skip to content. What is an autopsy? Who is most qualified to perform an autopsy? Are American Forensics pathologists board certified?
Can anyone request an autopsy? Free access to newly published articles. Purchase access. Rent article Rent this article from DeepDyve. Access to free article PDF downloads. Save your search. Customize your interests. Create a personal account or sign in to:. Privacy Policy. Make a comment. When post-mortems are carried out A post-mortem examination will be carried out if it's been requested by: a coroner — because the cause of death is unknown, or following a sudden, violent or unexpected death a hospital doctor — to find out more about an illness or the cause of death, or to further medical research and understanding There are 2 different types of post-mortem.
Coroner's post-mortem examination A coroner is a judicial officer responsible for investigating deaths in certain situations. Coroners are usually lawyers or doctors with a minimum of 5 years' experience. In most cases, a doctor or the police refer a death to the coroner. A death will be referred to the coroner if: it's unexpected, such as the sudden death of a baby cot death it's violent, unnatural or suspicious, such as a suicide or drug overdose it's the result of an accident or injury it occurred during or soon after a hospital procedure, such as surgery the cause of death is unknown The main aim of a post-mortem requested by a coroner is to find out how someone died and decide whether an inquest is needed.
An inquest is a legal investigation into the circumstances surrounding a person's death. In some cases, samples may need to be kept for a number of months, or even years. Hospital post-mortem examination Post-mortems are sometimes requested by hospital doctors to provide more information about an illness or the cause of death, or to further medical research.
When you're asked to give your consent, this will be discussed with you. You should also be given the details of someone to contact in case you change your mind. What happens during a post-mortem A post-mortem will be carried out as soon as possible, usually within 2 to 3 working days of a person's death. In some cases, it may be possible for it to take place within 24 hours. The pathologist will return the organs to the body after the post-mortem has been completed. If you wish, you'll usually be able to view the body after the examination.
What happens after a post-mortem After a post-mortem, the pathologist writes a report of the findings. All premises where post-mortems are carried out must be licensed by the HTA.
The body is vigorously massaged with a soapy sponge to help facilitate drainage and distribution of embalming fluid.
The tissue will begin to firm and take on a rosy appearance, which is an excellent indication of adequate distribution and a successful embalming. The tubes are then removed, the vein and artery tied off and the incision is sutured. Next, the cavity is treated. Fluid is suctioned from the hollow organs with an instrument called a trocar, then a high-index very strong fluid is placed into the cavity and the incision is closed with a small circular plastic button like device referred to as a trocar button.
The deceased is again washed. Their hair is combed and cream is placed on their face to prevent skin dehydration. The deceased is then covered and will remain in the preparation room until they are dressed, cosmetized and ready to be placed into a casket for viewing. Typically the viewing takes place a few days after death. So I will clean up the prep room and leave until it's time for the next embalming or until its time to dress and casket someone who's been previously embalmed.
If a person dies tragically murder, suicide, automobile accident the embalming process is drastically different. Tell us about something surprising, or unexpected, that happened to you while working:. I've had several interesting things happen on the job, but one particular moment comes to mind. I went in for a 3am embalming and heard a strange whisper. I quickly fumbled for the lights and, upon turning them on, figured out that the noise was coming from the occupied stretcher. I approached with caution expecting the person inside could be alive.
However, upon unzipping the cover, I found a tape recorder that I later found out was playing a Buddhist chant. The next day the family explained that, ideally, a monk would be at the place of death to chant when the soul exits the body.
Chanting calms the soul, which the buddhists believe, is in a state of confusion and fright after exiting the body. The soul of the deceased must be put at ease with food and chant throughout the difficult time of transition. This particular experience was both enlightening and frightening! My job is fulfilling when a particularly difficult case comes out better than expected. If a family decides to keep a casket open, when they previously thought they wouldn't be able to, or when someone compliments my work.
The best compliment I got was from a woman whose daughter died of bone cancer. She took my hand and said, "Thank you, she's so beautiful, she looks like she could get up and dance. In other states they have separate licenses for funeral directors and embalmers. Even though I am licensed to perform all aspects of the business, I work as an embalmer because I enjoy that particular aspect of the business and found that it allows me to spend a significant amount of time with my family.
Trade embalmers, like myself, are paid by the job. Usually we work for more than one location and will embalm, dress, casket, cosmetize and do restorative work. Trade embalmers have the potential to make significantly more than the average funeral director depending on how many locations they work for and how busy those locations are. However, we do not receive health benefits because we are not full-time employees.
I'm fortunate enough to say that I have not made any major mistakes. When I was an intern, I was super careful and very aware that any mistake I made could potentially affect the grieving process of the deceased friends and loved ones, so I always consulted with senior funeral directors if I was unsure of what to do or how to proceed with difficult cases.
I helped prepare my grandmother and embalmed my cousin and one of my high school teachers. I would draw the line at mom or dad.
Although I do know of a few embalmers who have embalmed their parents. Those of us who choose to handle the preparation of our friends and loved ones usually do so because we feel as though we can do the best job restoring their natural appearance because we knew them so well in life. It is difficult, but it's a labor of love. Is it true that they have to 'wire' people's jaws shut, and put 'velcro' contact lenses in people's eyes, and stuff their cheeks with cotton wool?
And is it true that the last thing that everybody ever does is evacuate their bowels? The mouth can be closed by suture or by using a device that involves placing two small tacks one anchored in the mandible and the other in the maxilla in the jaw. The tacks have wires that are then twisted together to hold the mouth closed. This is almost always done because, when relaxed, the mouth stays open. We also use cotton to fill out hollow cheeks or give the appearance of teeth to those who have none, or are missing a few.
The device under the eye is actually a serrated plastic eye cap that helps keep the eye closed.
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