What is an autopsy? When is it needed?

It's hard to cope with the sudden loss of someone you love. In times of grief, questions like "Why did this happen?" "What really happened?" come to mind. Sometimes finding answers to these questions can bring a little comfort. An autopsy, or what we call an autopsy, is a medical and legal process that helps find those answers in times like these. But it's not something that's done for every death. Let's talk about it simply.

What is an autopsy, simply put?

Simply put, an autopsy is a process in which a specialist examines the body of a deceased person in great detail to determine the exact cause of death . This is sometimes called a 'post-mortem examination'.

The main purpose of this is to accurately identify the cause of death, whether it be an illness, accident, or any other cause. This not only answers the questions that the family has in mind, but is also sometimes necessary for law enforcement.

Who is doing this test?

There are two main officials involved in this process in Sri Lanka.

1. Inquirer into Sudden Deaths / Coroner: The coroner is usually the first person to investigate a sudden, suspicious death. He or she will visit the scene of the death, conduct a preliminary examination, and decide whether a more in-depth medical investigation is necessary.

2. Specialist Judicial Medical Officer (JMO): A doctor who has undergone specialist training for the purpose conducts the autopsy on the orders of the Coroner or on the orders of the court. We call these doctors JMOs. They are the ones who examine the body of the deceased and prepare a report on the cause of death based on scientific evidence.

What really happens during an autopsy?

You may feel nervous when you hear about this, but this is a medical procedure that is performed with the utmost respect and care.

First, the forensic medical examiner (JMO) performs an external examination of the deceased's body, looking for any injuries, marks, or anything unusual.

Then, if necessary, the body's internal organs are examined. Here, major organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and liver are examined to see if there is any disease or damage to them. Sometimes, very small tissue samples or blood samples are taken for further testing.

However, in some complex cases, for example if poisoning is suspected, or if there is a suspicion of an unidentified disease, the samples taken are sent for laboratory tests. The results of these tests can take several days or weeks to come back.

After the examination is complete, the medical examiner issues a report stating the exact cause of death and the manner of death. That is, it explains whether the death was due to natural causes, an accident, suicide, or a crime.

Cases where an autopsy is mandatory and optional

This test is not done for every death. It is only necessary in special cases. Let's see what it is.

Religious beliefs and family wishes

Some religions and cultures believe that the body of a deceased person should be preserved intact, without any harm to it. Some also do not want to delay the funeral.

Under Sri Lankan law, such religious beliefs and the feelings of the family are respected. However, if an autopsy is absolutely necessary to investigate a crime or prevent a threat to public health, it must be carried out according to the law.

If you have any further questions about this process, please do not hesitate to speak to your doctor or the relevant authorities. In such a difficult time, having the right information will be a great help.

autopsy, cause of death, post-mortem, forensic medicine, JMO, sudden death