Autopsy autopsy. The procedure for embalming the deceased. Embalming the body in the morgue and at home. You might be interested

After the autopsy, all the organs are placed in the body, and the orderly sews up the incision. We must respect everyone, both the living and the dead,” notes one of the orderlies. After the autopsy is completed, the organs of the corpse are placed back into the cavities, the incisions are sutured, and the corpse is washed and dressed.

This is precisely what the performance “Autopsy of a Woman” is dedicated to and the sociological survey that precedes it, during which men and women were asked the question: What qualities do you value in a woman? I know that there are all sorts of anecdotes, jokes and stereotypes about how morgue workers, without fear of anything, can eat a sandwich with one hand right over a corpse and stitch it up with the other.

During a shift, there is usually either no one there or two or three corpses. True, according to the law of meanness, on my very first shift at the morgue there were 11 dead people at once. They differ only in the amount of payment, and are usually completely embalmed for long-distance transportation of the dead to other cities. Secondly, I'm performing an autopsy. Thirdly, I sew up corpses. There is a peculiarity: when a needle and thread pass through skin with a small layer of fat, it creaks and whistles - and at first it was creepy.

If there is a complete autopsy, the tongue and larynx are pulled out and studied. IN last resort If no cause of death is found in the organs of the body, the head is opened. The brain does not return to the skull; it is placed in the chest cavity with other organs. Then we put the organocomplex back into the body cavity. We make a mask of formaldehyde to fix the face, then put it in a bag and put it in the refrigerator.

One woman asked her husband to put a pack of Belomor cigarettes under his pillow, because he loved smoking them. Everyone has their own quirks and desires in this matter. After work, thoroughly wash and disinfect everything. Then he went, washed himself, wiped himself with alcohol, and was ready. I know that in the “dashing 90s” people were not afraid of anything; their hygiene was much easier. After sewing up the corpse, they bit the threads with their teeth.

In general, there were real gang fights there; for the orderly responsible for these grandmothers, it all ended somehow horribly. There was a case when a “float” (a drowned man - Dialog news agency) was brought to the university. In general, the students began to cut it, reached the stomach - and “bang” happened. Guts are on the ceiling, on the teacher, on the students - everywhere. So there are many nuances in this work. An autopsy is usually performed no earlier than two hours after death is established.

To autopsy corpses, a sectional set of instruments is used. To extract and open the spinal cord, it is necessary to saw through the posterior arches of the vertebrae. During or after the autopsy, a protocol is drawn up, in the descriptive part of which the changes discovered during the autopsy are objectively recorded.

Wrong side human life, her very the bad side– death meets you in the morgue naked and unadorned. And the people who work at this penultimate stop of the “life - eternity” express are the most different professions— forensic experts, medical registrars and orderlies. His task is to establish: did he die as a result of the disease and was his death inevitable - perhaps the diagnosis was erroneous, perhaps the treatment was incorrect?

Just yesterday a man lived, loved, and was loved, but today he is on the dissecting table. The reason for this is a disease that neither he himself, nor his relatives, nor doctors suspected. A man fell in the bathroom and hit his head - this is a violent premature death, even if it is classified as an accident. In addition to experts involved in the examination of living persons and autopsies, there are also histologists - they conduct examinations of tissue samples and determine from them the time, causes of death and how long ago the injuries were.

But there are still biochemist experts and many others narrow specializations. The small room with a glass roof accommodated several desks, a sofa and even a refrigerator with a microwave. The autopsy itself is carried out in a sectional room, which is separated from the rest of the morgue by a room that serves as either a locker room or a preoperative room. The sectional also contains a small desk. During the autopsy, a medical registrar works behind him, whose task is to assist the expert by taking the autopsy protocol under dictation.

Morgue worker: No one eats sandwiches over corpses

The orderlies transfer the prepared body from the gurney to the table - the autopsy begins. The corpse itself is usually opened using the Shor method. A median incision is made on the body, through which the entire organ complex is removed, starting from the tongue and ending with the rectum.

You can and should be afraid of death, but you cannot avoid it

In the morning, the expert performed three autopsies - all three died from natural causes. Then the body is washed, put in order and begins to be prepared for handing over to relatives. One way or another, it causes death in half the cases. It goes beyond the point where alcohol is absorbed in any quantity, but the body can no longer cope with such doses, which leads to death - alcohol poisoning.

The survey was shown on two monitors, with male and female voices overlapping each other, causing the viewer to experience slight discomfort. IN large quantities such impressions turned out to be too much, I lost a lot of nerves there. Got a job at the morgue. Here I’m not nervous at all - the silence is deathly quiet. I'm not scared or disgusted, as many people think. At first it was unusual to work with the dead and not the living.

The pathological epicrisis presents the results of a comparison of medical history data and autopsy materials, taking into account all additional research. At the end of the epicrisis, a conclusion is given about the mechanism and causes of death. This is a combination of formaldehyde and rot that remains in the memory forever as the “smell of death.”

Autopsy - surgical procedure to study the body and its internal organs after death.

Reasons for performing an autopsy

An autopsy is not always performed after death. It can be done at the request of the family or doctor. The reasons for the autopsy may be as follows:

• It is necessary to find out the state of health of the deceased before death;
• An autopsy helps determine the exact cause of death;
• An autopsy is performed to resolve legal or medical issues.

How is an autopsy performed?

Preparation for the procedure

To perform an autopsy, the body must be identified and there must be a release signed by the next of kin. Before the autopsy, the body is transported to the morgue and kept in a refrigeration unit.

Description of the opening procedure

The opening sequence is usually as follows:

• External examination - the body is measured and any deviations from the norm are recorded;
• Autopsy of the body:
  • A Y-shaped incision is made in the skin, starting at the front of each shoulder, reaching the navel, and moving down to pubic bone. Skin, muscles and soft fabrics then separates from the wall chest;
  • Each side of the chest is cut with a saw to provide access to the heart and lungs;
  • The abdominal muscles are removed to expose the abdominal organs;
  • Organ removal - using special methods Organs needed for research are cut out and separated from the body. All organs (heart, lungs, liver, intestines, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and pelvic organs), as well as major arteries are examined individually. They are weighed, washed, and dismembered as necessary. Some tissue samples may be taken for further study in the laboratory.
• Brain removal - a deep incision is made in the scalp. The incision starts at one ear, extends across the top of the head, and ends behind the other ear. The skin and soft tissues are separated from the bones of the skull. An electric saw is used to cut the skull. The brain is separated and placed in a special solution for up to two weeks. This helps preserve the brain and prevents damage.

Once the autopsy is completed, the incisions on the body are stitched back together. Procedures differ for organs - dismembered organs may be placed back into the body or burned. If the organs cannot be placed back into the body, the funeral home will place filler into the resulting body cavity to maintain its shape.

Immediately after the autopsy procedure

Tissue samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually ready within a few weeks, and the final autopsy report is typically completed in 30 to 60 days.

How long does the autopsy procedure take?

An autopsy usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the cause of death and level of complexity.

The pathologist examines the body from head to toe, lifting the side, back and buttocks if necessary. Establishes signs of death: the severity of rigor mortis (begins after 1-3 hours with the muscles of the head, masticatory muscles and after 8-10 hours it covers all the muscles of the body, lasts 3-4 days). Characterized by cadaveric spots that fade or do not fade when pressed.

The protocol notes gender, age, height, physique (proportional, correct); anomalies with detailed description their character; type of constitution (asthenic, athletic, picnic); fatness; condition of the skin, its color and damage; body hair distribution; condition of nails, visible mucous membranes, external genitalia (in women, mammary glands, squeezing them to find out whether there is discharge from the nipples); the presence of edema, soft tissue emphysema.

If necessary, produce basic anthropometric measurements[Avgandilov G.G., 1973, 1990] taking into account the anatomical points of the head and body (Fig. 3,4). The obtained data can be used for differential diagnosis, especially when endocrine pathology[Kaliteevsky P.F., 1987].

During the autopsy, the corpse lies on its back, and only if it is necessary to open the spine is it turned over. A support or block is placed under the back of the corpse. When opening the head, the block is placed under the back of the head, when opening the body - under the shoulder blades, when opening the spine - under the chest. A preparation table is placed over the thighs and shins of the corpse, on the side shelf of which there is a set of sectional instruments (sometimes they are placed on a sectional instrument table). A weak stream of water is released from the tap into a rubber tube, from which the secretions are then washed away and the organs are washed.

I - apical; 2 - hair; 3 - frontal (metopion); 4 - superior nasal, 5 - inferior nasal, 6 - mental; 7 - cervical; 8 - upper sternal; 9 - shoulder; 10 - mid-sternal;

II - lower sternal; 12 - radial; 13 - umbilical; 14 - scallop; 15 - spinous iliac; 16 - pubic; 17 - trochanteric; 18 - subulate; 19 - phalangeal; 20 - finger; 21 - upper tibia; 22 - lower tibia; 23 - final; 24;- heel.

If necessary, preparations are made for additional research with the invitation of other specialists (bacteriologist, virologist, etc.).

A pathological examination of the body of the deceased is usually carried out in the following order:

1. External examination of the corpse.

2. Opening the cranial cavity and removing the brain.

3. Autopsy adnexal cavities skulls

4. Opening the spinal canal and extracting the spinal cord (according to indications).

5. Cutting and separating the integument of the body with opening of the abdominal cavity.

6. Examination of the abdominal cavity.

7. Opening of the neck and chest cavity.

8. Examination of the organs of the neck and chest cavity.

9. Extraction of organs of the neck, chest and abdominal cavities.

10. Study of extracted organs.

11. Opening of limbs.

12. Autopsy of other organs and systems.

13. Taking material for pathological and other types of research.

14. Corpse toilet.

The specified sequence of actions of the pathologist may vary depending on the characteristics fatal outcome and opening conditions.

If there is no running water, a tank (bucket) of water is placed at the feet of the corpse. The pathologist, if he is right-handed, stands at the side right side the corpse and remains in this place until the end of the autopsy (if the pathologist is left-handed, the position is reversed). During the opening of the cranial cavity, the prosector moves to the head. Opposite the pathologist, on the opposite side of the table, are an assistant and doctors invited to the autopsy (no one should stand near the pathologist so as not to hamper his actions).

Carrying out an autopsy in a certain sequence, the pathologist describes aloud the condition of the integument, organs and systems. This is recorded by a laboratory assistant, a medical recorder, or the recording is recorded by a tape recorder. Sometimes the assistant only takes notes, and the pathologist, after the autopsy, dictates the protocol or draws it up himself.

After completing the autopsy, the prosector summarizes all findings, formulates a final or preliminary pathological diagnosis and a conclusion on the cause of death.

Here are a number of general comments that should be followed during the autopsy. First of all, about the nature of the cuts. The prosector must avoid unnecessary incisions and spare the body of the deceased, especially open parts (face, neck, arms). General principle autopsy - no traces of an autopsy should be visible on the dressed corpse. The sequence of opening body cavities, in addition to the generally accepted one, may vary depending on the nature of the disease. Usually they start with opening the cranial cavity (if there is no suspicion of an air embolism), and after examining the membranes and brain, it is removed. Then they open it spinal canal and extract spinal cord. Next we proceed to internal research abdominal and thoracic cavities and then the position of the neck organs. Depending on the nature of the disease, according to clinical instructions, the course of the autopsy is changed or supplemented with in-depth methods for studying organs and systems.

Inspection of body cavities and removal of organs

When examining body cavities, the position of organs is reviewed, deviations from the norm in size, shape, consistency are noted, the absence or presence of pathological accumulations that must be described is noted, their volume is measured, and if necessary, material is taken for microscopic and bacteriological research. Find out the condition serous membranes, the presence of pathological adhesions between organs. During fusion, the organs are not separated and are removed in blocks, together.

After examining the organs, using an amputation or brain knife, they begin to make incisions that are made along the length and convex side. It is advisable to immediately cover the entire length of the organ with a cut, from the surface to its gate (for stereometric studies, organs are dissected, but not completely, in planes perpendicular to the gate, to the course of blood vessels, ducts, and nerves). On the cut surface, the tissue pattern and the condition of the parenchyma are studied. the degree of blood filling, the degree of gloss, humidity, dryness of the r-cut surface, its color are recorded pathological changes. The surface of the cut is palpated to determine its consistency, sometimes the organ is compressed, and assessments of the fluid released from the cut produce reactions that clarify the diagnosis.

The cuts are made using a sectioning knife; the cartilage of the ribs is cut with a rib knife; The organs are dissected with a large dissecting and brain knife.

The knife is held by the handle, grasping it from above with the entire palm (Fig. 5). When making lung cuts, the sectioning knife is held with your fingers, like a violin bow. When dissecting organs, scalpels are used, held in a pen position. The incision of the organ is made without pressing on the dissected part, but with smooth horizontal movements in one direction (sawing movements cannot be made). The incisions are made with wide movements of the knife towards you or from left to right, which gives smooth cross-sectional surfaces of the organs; when opening soft tissues (BRAIN), the knife is moistened with water.

The scissors are held vertically thumb placed in the upper ring, the ring (IV) finger in the lower one, and the index finger

(II) and middle (III) fingers fix the scissors in the required plane (Fig. 6). When working with scissors and knives, you should monitor every change in the organ being examined, bypassing surgical wounds, fistulas, drainages, tubes, etc.

All cavitary organs are opened with scissors. The nature of the contents, the condition of the internal surface, and pathological changes are determined. Special attention deserves dissection of various narrowings, while making sure of their patency and measuring the lumen. If one incision does not provide complete information about the condition of the organ, additional incisions are made. Parts of an organ should not be cut off unnecessarily; it is better to make cuts and maintain the connection of this part with the organ.

Complete dissection of the organ into pieces should be avoided. Rinsing with water is done after describing the incision; it is better to remove blood and pus with an oblique knife blade. If poisoning is suspected, water and pieces of rags should not be used during autopsy. Organs and secretions without foreign impurities should serve as an object special research(forensic chemical, etc. - see Chapter 9).

When examining the abdominal organs, their volume, the nature of the contents, the condition of the internal surface and wall are described. The volume of accumulated liquid must be measured; color, transparency, turbidity, odor, and consistency are noted in the protocol. To clarify the diagnosis, these fluids are subjected to laboratory analysis.

The general requirement for performing an autopsy is extreme accuracy and neatness (which is important from an aesthetic point of view), compliance with safety precautions, and protection from infection. During the autopsy, there should be no blood, pus, stomach contents, feces not on the dissecting table, not on the instruments, not on the surface of the corpse, not on the hands and apron of the dissector. This is monitored by a doctor and an orderly, who wash off all liquids from the corpse, instruments and table with a weak stream of water, using a sponge, napkin. The prosector periodically washes the blood from the gloves.

Centuries-old pathological practice has created and tested many methodological and technical techniques for examining a corpse. The method that preserves the natural relationships between organs is called complete evisceration. The entire organ complex of the neck, chest and abdominal cavities is removed, then the organs of the neck and chest cavity are examined separately, then the abdominal cavity; systems and organs are removed separately (see below).

Autopsy (synonym: section, autopsy) is an examination of the body of the deceased in order to study the structure of the body, determine changes in organs and tissues, and also to determine the cause of death. It is customary to distinguish between anatomical, pathological and forensic autopsies (see below). Autopsy have great importance in the study of thanatology (the study of death), epidemiology, as well as in the teaching of medical disciplines.

Anatomical dissections are performed in departments of anatomy to study the structure of the human body.

Died in medical institutions usually undergo a pathological autopsy, which is regulated by instructions on the procedure for autopsies of corpses in medical institutions. An autopsy is usually performed no earlier than two hours after death is established. Pathoanatomical autopsies are performed by pathologists in specially equipped rooms (sectional rooms) of the departments pathological anatomy and pathological departments of medical institutions. The purpose of such an autopsy is to establish the underlying disease, complications and concomitant diseases, as well as causes of death. Based on the results of the autopsy, one can judge the correctness of the lifetime diagnosis and the therapeutic measures, which is important for improving diagnostic and treatment work.

The autopsy is preceded by familiarization with all medical documents relating to the deceased. To autopsy corpses, a sectional set of instruments is used. The pathologist and the staff assisting him put on rubber gowns, sleeves and an apron. In cases of death from special dangerous infections or if there are substances (radioactive, chemical agents, etc.) in the corpse that are hazardous to the health of the doctor and those present during the autopsy, special suits are used. After autopsy of the corpses of people who died from especially dangerous infections, all persons who were in the section are subjected to; the room where the autopsy was performed, and the coffin with the body of the deceased - wet. The body is not released to relatives.

The autopsy is preceded by external inspection; note the physique, nutrition, body weight and condition of the skin, pay attention to rigor mortis, cadaveric spots, ulcers, tumors, etc.

Then they begin to autopsy the corpse. For this purpose, various soft tissue incisions are used (straight, Leschke, Fischer and combined). Thoracic cavity opened by dissecting the costal cartilages near their transition into the bone (Fig.). Examining the abdominal pleural cavity and the pericardial cavity, note the presence of adhesions of the layers of serous membranes, effusion, the nature of the arrangement of organs, etc. The skull is opened by cutting the soft tissues from ear to ear and detaching them anteriorly, then sawing horizontally and removing the roof of the skull. To extract and open it is necessary to saw through the posterior arches of the vertebrae.

When opening internal organs, they are examined on the spot, then removed from the corpse in a certain sequence: organs of the neck, chest and abdominal cavities, and pelvis. Organs genitourinary system sometimes they are isolated as a separate complex; in some cases, all internal organs are removed as a single complex.

The extracted organs and organ complexes are carefully examined, their size, weight, color and surface condition are determined, then they are examined after appropriate incisions. Pieces are taken from organs and tissues for histological examination, as well as material for serological and biochemical studies.

After the autopsy is completed, the corpse's organs are placed back into the cavities, the incisions are sutured, washed and dressed. During or after the autopsy, a protocol is drawn up, in the descriptive part of which the changes discovered during the autopsy are objectively recorded. A pathological diagnosis and epicrisis are also prepared. The diagnosis is the essence of the detected changes, described briefly in pathoanatomical terms, in accordance with the course of the main disease process, complications and concomitant diseases. The pathological epicrisis presents the results of a comparison of data and autopsy materials, taking into account all additional studies. At the end of the epicrisis, a conclusion is given about the mechanism and causes of death.

A forensic autopsy is performed in all cases of violent death (murder, suicide, accident), if it is suspected; when it did not occur in a medical institution; in cases where the cause of death is not clear, if there are doubts about the correct treatment of the deceased. A forensic autopsy is carried out only subject to a decision by the investigative or inquiry authorities, as well as a court decision. In case of death in medical institutions on the first day after admission with an unknown diagnosis of the disease, a forensic autopsy is also performed.

During a forensic autopsy of a corpse, the cause of death, the time of its occurrence, the presence of alcohol in the corpse are determined, and other issues are resolved depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

During an external examination of the corpse, attention is paid to clothing, cadaveric spots, rigor, temperature, putrefactive phenomena are noted; if there are damages, their exact location, nature is indicated and it is established what they could have been caused by (blunt, piercing or cutting objects, firearms, vehicles and etc.).

In unidentified corpses, everything is recorded in detail individual characteristics. Parts of organs and body fluids can be taken for histological, forensic chemical and some other laboratory tests.

After the autopsy of the corpse, an act or conclusion is drawn up, in which the forensic expert gives answers to the questions contained in the decision to order the examination (see Medical, forensic documentation).

The study of death and its causes has become a whole scientific direction in the study of diseases and their consequences in medicine. Man's religious ideas about death and its causes made this phenomenon not the final one, but the continuation of human existence in other world. It has become Starting point to the study of man and his organization in development scientific views and methods in medicine and science.

History of the development of autopsy

The study of the dead began in ancient times with the help of autopsies. Autopsy as a way of understanding human nature was of interest to scientists such as Hippocrates and Galen.

Post-mortem examinations were first described in the 13th century by Guglielmo of Saliceto, who conducted a forensic examination of his nephew, the Marquis Palavicini.

An autopsy to determine the causes of death of the suddenly deceased Alexander V, who lived in the 14th century, was carried out as the first in modern concept post-mortem pathological examination. In the 16th century, the anatomist Vesalius conducted many studies and made a great contribution to the development of ideas about the structure of man. Since 1700, autopsies have been performed more frequently, and there are many descriptions of them. Autopsy is a term that appeared later. It has become very common in Europe.

In the 19th century, with the invention of the microscope and the discovery cell theory pathologists R. Virchow, pathological studies acquired a new meaning. They began to become part of the practice of studying deaths in hospitals and for compiling post-mortem reports of those who died outside of it.

Signs of death

The dying of a person has several stages, and to ascertain death it is necessary to know its signs.

Distinguish clinical death and biological.

• Clinical death has signs of reversibility and lasts from 3 to 6 minutes. It is characterized by coma, asystole and apnea. increase the chance of its reversibility.
• Biological death has signs that are determined by the time of absence heart rate(up to 30 minutes) and breathing, pupil dilation. Proper handling of the corpse in the first two hours will ensure its full examination in the pathology laboratory.

An autopsy can only be performed 12 hours after death.

Organization of the morgue

Pathological rooms and laboratories should be located in a separate building, isolated from residential and utility premises. The morgue has working rooms such as:

• sectional room in which the autopsy is performed;
• laboratory;
• biopsy room;
• a room with sections for storing corpses;
• washing;
• museum, etc.

The morgue building is located in a green zone at a distance of 15 m from the hospital buildings. The sanitary gap with other buildings is at least 30 m. The interior design consists of tiled walls 3 meters high. Floors and walls should be impervious, level and rounded at the junctions between floor and wall.

The room must be dry, equipped with refrigeration units for storing corpses, a shower, and a sanitary room for staff.

The sectional table should be made of corrosion-resistant material that can withstand frequent disinfection. The morgue should be well lit and provide access to the corpse from all sides, which allows for complete information to be obtained during research.

Types of research

According to the purpose of the autopsy, a distinction is made between a pathological autopsy and a forensic medical examination.

A pathoanatomical autopsy is the identification and confirmation of diseases, the study of organs and systems of the deceased to determine the exact clinical diagnosis which caused death.

It differs from an autopsy in documents about the results, purposes of the study, methods and objects of research.

Legal regulation of autopsy

An autopsy is a study that is regulated by Order of the Ministry of Health No. 82 of April 29, 1994, which determines the procedure for its conduct.

Postmortem autopsy is performed:

• to determine the causes of death if it is impossible to confirm the clinical diagnosis that led to death;
• in case of poisoning medicines or their overdose;
• in case of death caused by medical measures and procedures in hospital treatment;
• if death occurred as a result of infectious or oncological diseases with confirmation of the diagnosis and taking a biopsy;
• in the event of death occurring after an environmental disaster, pregnant women, women giving birth and giving birth, which requires additional clarification of the causes;
• infant and child death, with stillbirth of children weighing over 500 grams. An autopsy is required at the morgue.

A forensic autopsy is a study conducted to identify causes of death from:

• violence;
• mechanical damage;
• the impact of physical factors (range of very high/low temperatures and electricity on the human body).

The examination consists of two stages. These include:

• studying materials for solving judicial issues using certain methods and techniques;
• drawing up a conclusion on the results of the study at the request of the investigation.

Opening tools

The sectional set used for autopsy is a set of the following instruments:

• knives - large and small sectional, amputation, cartilaginous costal, Pick's myelotomy, Virchow's brain knife;
• abdominal scalpel;
• scissors - anatomical intestinal, blunt-ended straight, straight with one sharp end, ocular pointed straight, bony with strong jaws for biting off bones;
• saws - arc, sheet, double and others;
• tweezers;
• measuring instruments.

The basic rules for autopsy in the morgue are the preparation of the pathologist for the operation. The doctor puts on individual means protection, which are gloves, a robe, an apron, a mask.

Autopsy rules

Preparing a corpse for autopsy consists of an external examination and drawing up a report on the constitution, skin, cadaveric spots and others.

Autopsy in medicine is important diagnostic method, which takes 2-4 hours. A full report following the biopsy results is completed after 30-60 days.

The autopsy takes place in several stages:

• A U or Y-shaped incision is made that starts from the front of the shoulder and reaches the navel, going down to the pubic bone;
• the skin and muscles are separated from the chest, freeing the chest;
• the ribs are cut with a saw to gain access to the lungs and heart;
• abdominal muscles are removed to gain access to internal organs, which are also removed and washed under running water, weighed, and, if necessary, dissected with tissue samples taken to study the causes of death; all organs and vessels are examined individually;
• the brain is removed through a deep incision from ear to ear through the crown, soft tissues and muscles are separated; The skull is cut with a saw and the brain is removed, which is placed in a special solution for two weeks for preservation.

The removed organs are placed back into the corpse, but if it is not possible to place them back, then the body is stuffed with foam rubber.

Differences between a forensic report and an investigation

The autopsy procedure is performed by a qualified pathologist, who can work as a forensic medical examiner in the bureau of forensic medicine.

The forensic medical examination of a corpse involves identifying the grounds for resolving investigative issues. Whereas research is necessary to initiate a criminal case.

The procedure for conducting a forensic medical examination

Conducting an examination of a corpse during a forensic medical study of the causes and circumstances of a person’s death requires compliance with a certain procedure for the forensic medical examination of the corpse.

The autopsy is carried out according to the autopsy technique protocol, which is a uniform rule for all stages of the research carried out in medical practice. Forensic medical research is carried out in the presence of representatives of the investigative authorities. The expert has the right to demand information about the corpse that they have. It can be:

• initials;
• age;
• Lifestyle;
• medical card;
• place and time of discovery of the corpse and much more.

The results of the autopsy are recorded in a protocol, which indicates the date, month, and year of its conduct. The expert opinion must be written in clear and legible handwriting and language, without using jargon.

Biopsy diagnosis

Histological examination of tissues is carried out to determine a clinical diagnosis, toxicological, and forensic report. It consists of stages that allow you to obtain complete and reliable information.

The biopsy specimen is fixed with formaldehyde to preserve the integrity of the cellular and intracellular material and its genetic information. Next, it is treated with chemical reagents and, after dehydration, is subjected to paraffin infiltration.

The next stage in the work is microtomy. The results of this stage depend on the previous work and high-quality paraffin infiltration.

The biopsy is cut with a special knife using a microtome. Through incisions on the biopsy, it is cut into thin, up to 2-3 microns thick, plates. They are dried and stained to obtain diagnostic results. When compiling a report on the results of the study, the expert relies on scientific knowledge and experience.

The next stage is microscopy of the biopsy, which determines the reasons pathological processes and accurate clinical diagnosis of the disease.

Studies in the pathoanatomical laboratory are carried out with biopsy specimens after diagnostic instrumental procedures, post-mortem autopsies to determine a clinical diagnosis, which cannot be determined by collecting biomaterials in clinical diagnostic laboratories.