Autopsy procedure
Download as PPTX, PDF20 likes4,189 views
This document discusses procedures for examining the vertebral column and spinal cord through both anterior and posterior approaches. It also describes collecting relevant specimens for further examination, such as histopathology or toxicology, and proper preservation and labeling of specimens to maintain the chain of custody. The key steps are removing organs to access the vertebral bodies from the front or removing spinal processes and lamina from the back to expose the spinal cord. Specimens like the brain, liver, blood and urine are collected depending on suspected poisoning. Proper sealing and documentation is needed to track the specimens from collection to court presentation.
Autopsy procedure
- 2. EXAMINATION OF VERTEBRAL COLUMN AND SPINAL CORD. Examination of vertebral column and spinal cord is done by two approaches. 1: Anterior approach 2: Posterior approach
- 3. ANTERIOR APPROACH 1. Remove all the organs of abdomen and thorax. 2. Cut the vertebral bodies, this will expose the Spinal cord. 3. Cut should be made in such a manner that saw separate the vertebral bodies into an anterior One third and posterior two third. This will not destroy the rigidity of the vertebral column.
- 4. POSTERIOR APPROACH It is easier and better 1. Give a posterior incision in skin extending from base of head to the sacrum. 2. Separate the tissues on each side of spinous process. 3. The lamina are sawn through with a saw as close to spinous process as possible.
- 5. 4. Remove the spinal process and lamina, this will expose spinal dura. 5. Dura is opened by the help of a scissor. 6. Cut surface is examined. 7. Spinal cord is removed and examined.
- 6. CLOSING OF BODY After complete dissection study put all viscera in to the trunk. Body is closed properly, suturing along the incision using curved needle. Clean the body, dress it properly and in appealing way. Try meticulous restoration of normal anatomy, pay special attention to face. Always hand over the body to the concerned police officer who brought it for autopsy after getting written receipt.
- 7. COLLECTION OF SPECIMEN The collection of specimen are needed for further examination i.e 1. Histology or histopathological examination. 2. Toxicological analysis. 3. Biochemistry. These specimens are taken from 1. Body fluids. 2. Body organs. 3. Trace evidence[anything on the body of deceased which can give a clue to cause of death. Because according to the “Locard’s Exchange Principal”. Every contact leaves a trace.
- 8. SPECIMENS COLLECTED FOR SUSPECTED CASE OF POISONING Hair 10 gm Brain 500 gm Liver 500 gm Kidney one whole Lung one whole Stomach whole with contents Small intestine initial 2 feet with contents Blood 50-100 cc Urine all available
- 9. CHOICE OF SPECIMEN Brain alcohol, barbiturates liver metal, barbiturates kidney heavy metal especial mercury bone lead and arsenic blood all gaseous poisons urine heavy metal, barbiturates
- 10. Routine specimens Certain substances are necessary to collect in every examination especially for toxicological examination. These are known as “Routine specimens”. These are collected in bottles which are numbered in a sequence and contain specific contents. Bottle. 1 Stomach & its contents. Bottle.2 Small intestine & its pieces of large intestine with intestinal contents. Bottle.3 Portion of liver, one kidney & spleen. Bottle.4 Control specimen of preservative substance which has been used for preservation of these materials.
- 11. PRESERVATION FOR TOXICOLOGY RECTIFIED SPIRIT, It is effective preservative of all viscerae which are likely to be decomposed on keeping. It is contraindicated in poisoning by alcohol , phosphorus, acetic acid and carbolic acid. SUPERSATURATED SALINE/ SOLUTION OF SODIUM CHLORIDE. Good preservative AND routinely used. Solution should be supersaturated up to 33 percent of sodium chloride. For detection of gases poison in blood e.g CO no preservative is used.
- 12. FIXATIVES FOR HISTOPATHOLOGY FORMALINE: 1. General purpose fixative. 2. It is prepared by mixing one volume of commercial formalin and 9 volumes of water. ETHYL ALCOHOL(absolute or 95% alcohol) Used for special purpose , for fixation of tissues.
- 13. PLACING AND SEALING OF SPECIMEN Sealed in wide and narrow mouthed glass bottles with glass stoppers. 2.Each specimen should be placed in separate clean glass vessels. viscerae should be weighed before taking specimen.
- 14. 3.Label each glass vessel with all information required to identify specimen fully and completely. 4.Wrape each bottle/ container in heavy paper, tie with cord, seal the top, bottom, free edges and knot, with sealing wax.
- 15. Chain of Custody “It is the sequence of events from the collection of specimens at the scene of crime to its presentation in court.
- 16. Principle Any person who handles these specimens should be and must be able to certify extent of handling. “Shorter the chain the better it is.”
- 17. Duty of doctor It is the duty of medical officer that he should maintain an unbroken chain of custody and he should be able to certify before court. So the dr should collect the specimens himself, handle them himself, deal them in his custody and then all the specimens are handed over to avoid any unnecessary lengthening of chain.
- 18. Doctor should be able to tell 1. When received? 2. How long it is with you? When sent it back? 3. What was collected? 4. Why was collected? 5. To whom it was handed over? 6. Why it was handed over? 7. When it was handed over?
- 19. After autopsy specimens are collected & handed over to police by the doctor under stamp & seal, entries are made in the police register , and police hands it over to the assistant of chemical examiner who makes entry in his register. Then specimens & report of the chemical examiner is sent to the doctor. The doctor again hands it over to the police to be presented in the court. Doctor Police Chemical examiner Doctor Police Court
- 20. 20 Thank You