SUBMODULE 2.1. FORENSIC AUTOPSY
Forensic autopsy is performed in case of a violent, sudden or unexpected death; if the victim's identity is unknown or the cause of death is unclear; in case of a death in a healthcare facility if the diagnosis was not established or when an inpatient is killed or died, and a medical malpractice complaint was filed.
Forensic autopsy is performed in a forensic morgue in daylight or with sufficient artificial light. The investigator needs a forensic dissection toolkit.
Forensic autopsy includes the following actions by the pathologist:
► study of autopsy request (order) and identification of tasks posed by the investigator;
► determination if the presented materials are sufficient to answer the investigator's questions and filing a request for additional materials;
► study of medical documents and case materials relevant for further expert assessments;
► examination of the victim's clothes;
► external examination of the cadaver;
► internal examination of the cadaver;
► removing, packing and referring biological objects, injury instruments and clothes for additional examination;
► analyzing the findings of additional examination;
► additional laboratory and instrumental tests;
► analyzing and putting together all test and examination findings;
► making the diagnosis;
► formulating the conclusion and justification (answers to the investigator's questions and the expert initiative conclusions);
► finalizing the autopsy report.
General rules of forensic autopsy. Forensic autopsy includes the following actions by the pathologist:
► studying the autopsy request (order) and other documents presented to the pathologist (copy of the death scene investigation report, case history, etc.);
► making a plan of forensic autopsy;