After a properly conducted autopsy,

small proportion of cases will not

reveal a cause of death. This is
probably of the order of 2–5%.
However, before the death is recorded
as unascertained, it is important that
appropriate ancillary investigations
have been conducted. These tests
include toxicology, microbiology and
genetic testing where appropriate. The
history and scene examination findings
must be known.

Labeled as NEGATIVE AUTOPSY

 NEGATIVE AUTOPSY
• DEFINITION:
• The situation conducive to Negative Autopsy can be
discussed under two main heads.
• (I). Factors/Lapses/Deficiencies
contributing to Negative Autopsy:
• Commencing Autopsy without proper history.
• Improper external examination.
• Faulty Internal examination.
• Failure of Histological & Toxicological examination
 NEGATIVE AUTOPSY
• (II). Causes of Negative Autopsy:
• Very short fatal period.
• Trivial/Insignificant finding
• Reflex coronary spasm/Intense Laryngo spasm
• The condition not causing any organic change
• Indicators can not be detected current
available techniques of investigation.
 NEGATIVE AUTOPSY
• IN ALL SUCH SITUATIONS WHERE
THE DOCTOR FEELS THAT ALL THAT
SHOULS BE DONE HAVE BEEN DONE,
HE IS FULLY JUSTIFIED IN GIVING THE
MEDICAL CAUSE OF DEATH AS;

• UN-DETERMINED
 Hazards of Autopsy
• Every work has its own implicit hazards, so is
the Autopsy.
• Much concern about these hazards due to;
• A) Recognition/Awareness of risks by the
staff.

• B) Increasing number of reported cases of

infection among
workers(medical/paramedics)
 Classification of Hazards
• MECHANICAL:
• ELECTRICAL:
• CHEMICAL:
• ULTRA VIOLET RADIATION BURNS:
• INFECTIONS:
• Category A; All viral infections.
• Category B; All infectious diseases.
• Category C; All other / miscellaneous
 PREVENTIVE MEASURES
• Maintaining high standards of hygiene.
• Use of Protective clothing (Autopsy dress).
• Gloves (special mention).
• Instruments cleaned / dis-infected.
• Care of electrical points / equipment.
• Handling of dissection instruments.
• Proper Immunization of all staff.
 Necropsy Wound
Cut sustained during Autopsy
• Leave the work immediately
• Remove gloves
• Encourage free bleeding
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water
• Dip in strong solution of antiseptic.
• Apply clean, dry, aseptic dressing
• Immunization against Tetanus
• More serious then shift to Accident &
Emergency
EMBALMING
DEFINITION

OBJECTIVES

COMPOSITION OF
EMBALMING FLUID
 EMBALMING
TECHNIQUE
Two entirely different techniques
are applied on the same body
I- INTACT BODIES:
(A) Arterial Method
For compact tissues
(A)Trochar & Cannula
For hollow organs & cavities
 II- DISSECTED BODIES

(A) Body cavities

(B) Extremities

LIMITATIONS
The preservation is short lived
 FORENSIC
ARTEFACT
Any change caused or finding
introduced into the body after death
that is neither Physiological nor
Pathological and is likely to lead to
misinterpretation of Medico Legally
significant Ante Mortem finding.
 Wrong & erroneous
interpretation
1- Cause/mode/manner of death

2- A/M or P/M nature of finding

3- Misleading the Investigations leading

to wrong Judgment

4- Conviction of Doctor
 CLASSIFICATION
I- Artefacts Before Death:
Resuscitation Artefacts.
II- Between Death &
Autopsy:
Agonal
Embalming
Toxicological
Due to Changes After Death
3rd Party
 During Autopsy
Negligent opening of Neck

Negligent opening of Skull

Heat Haematoma