THE FORENSIC AUTOPSY.pptttttttttttttttttx

Ttttttttttttt

1. THE FORENSIC AUTOPSY DR ATWINE RAYMOND

2. THE PROCEDURE FOR A FORENSIC AUTOPSY Though the actual performance of an autopsy is fairly uniform whatever the nature of the death, there are a number of associated matters that vary according to the circumstances . We shall look at the general aspects, and specifics will be looked at in each topic

3. The objectives of an autopsy To make a positive identification of the body and to assess the size, physique and nourishment. To determine the cause of death or, in the newborn, whether live birth occurred. To determine the mode of dying and time of death, where necessary and possible. To demonstrate all external and internal abnormalities, malformations and diseases. To detect, describe and measure any external and internal injuries .

4. To obtain samples for analysis, microbiological and histological examination, and any other necessary investigations. To retain relevant organs and tissues as evidence. To obtain photographs and video for evidential and teaching use. To provide a full written report of the autopsy findings. To offer an expert interpretation of those findings. To restore the body to the best possible cosmetic condition before release to the relatives.

5. Preliminaries to an autopsy Authorization and consent Police or coroner Who may be present at an autopsy Lawyer or doctor on behalf of victim or suspect Doctors/medical students Coroners/police offices/SOCO/judge/magistrate Relatives of deceased Physician Not many people; T he pathologist should try to limit the number of those present to a minimum. greater risk of loss of confidentiality, Overcrowding hampers movement, causes distraction, adds to the risk of infection and contamination

6. Appropriate equipment waterproof apron and rubber gloves thermometer, syringes and needles, sterile swabs autopsy dissection set, including handsaw cutting needles and twine for body closure swabs and containers for blood and body fluids formalin jars for histological samples plastic bags, envelopes, paper, spare pen and pencil printed body charts for recording external injuries hand lens, electric torch, mini-tape recorder camera

7. EXTERNAL EXAM Clothing Age estimation Body length Body weight Nutrition status Cleaniliness , hair, toes Skin color Congenital deformities External marks eg tatooes , circumcision, amputations, surgical scars, scars of injuries

8. Body fluids from orifices-vomit, froth, vaginal d/c Eyes Oral cavity-dentures, FB, teeth Fresh injuries

9. The procedure/evisceration types Virchow –organ by organ removal Rokitansky- in situ examination of viscera Letulle-En mass removal of viscera Ghon-En bloc removal of viscera by compartment eg thoracic, intestines, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, neck, brain Opening up can be midline incision from upper neck of Y shaped incision