How to Obtain Autopsy Reports & Results: 6 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

FAQs

How do I get the autopsy report? ›

Write a request for the autopsy report.

Most states require a written request for the autopsy report. The details on the request, as well as the address for the request and the request form, can be found on the website of your state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and/or coroner's office.

California and Florida, for example, generally recognizes these materials as public, and sending a simple request to the appropriate coroner's office with the deceased's name can get easy returns.

All reports generated by the medical examiner (Medical Examiner's Report, Autopsy Report, and Toxicology Report) are available to the legal next of kin upon written request using the OCME Record Request Form for Legal Next of Kin on the record request page.

Forensic toxicology (in Medical Examiner Office cases) is very different from the drug testing performed in hospitals. Toxicology analysis may only take 4 to 6 weeks if no drugs are present; however, 6 to 8 weeks are typically required to perform the necessary confirmations and quantitations of drugs detected.

No. An autopsy is performed at the Medical Examiner's discretion based on all of the information available at the time of examination. An autopsy may not be required when the death is known to be the result of natural causes, adequate medical history exists and there are no signs of foul play.

An autopsy report includes details of all the observations, examinations and tests of the body. It typically states the cause of death and the general manner of death. Based on scientific and medical evidence, the pathologist lists the manner of death as one of five categories: Accident.

First, a visual exam of the entire body is done, including the organs and internal structures. Then, microscopic, chemical, and microbiological exams may be made of the organs, fluids, and tissues. All organs removed for examination are weighed, and a section is preserved for processing into microscopic slides.

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Yes, some reports do include pictures and/or anatomical diagrams.

Can autopsy results be made public? ›

The same rules of doctor-patient confidentiality apply to autopsy examinations as to medical records of living patients. This means that doctors are not allowed to reveal the results of an autopsy examination to third parties without the permission of the next-of-kin of the deceased.

Autopsy reports are usually completed within 60 days from the date of autopsy; however, there are cases which can take 90 days or longer depending on the complexity of the case.

The forensic pathologist conducting the autopsy is available to discuss case findings with the family throughout the process. A preliminary one-page written report, called u201cProvisional Anatomical Diagnosisu201d is mailed to the authorizing family member within 24-48 hours after an autopsy is performed.

If somebody dies under suspicious circ*mstances, a state or county may call for a forensic autopsy. Taxpayers foot the bill in those situations. In cases where the government sees no need to mandate an autopsy, the family of the deceased can request one — but they may have to pay for it out of pocket.

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. Depending upon when the examination is due to take place, you may be able to see the body before the post-mortem is carried out.

This depends upon the time it takes to examine a body (or do an autopsy) and take physical evidence. Even if a cause and manner of death is pending, most bodies are able to be released within 24 hours to 48 hours of examination to the funeral home chosen by the family.

The judge may order that the body be exhumed and that an autopsy be performed by the Chief Medical Examiner. A report of the autopsy and other pathological studies shall be delivered to the judge. The cost of the exhumation, autopsy, transportation and disposition of the body shall be paid by the State.