Where are Autopsies Performed?
Autopsy examinations are performed in the autopsy suite. This is a special facility reserved for this task of gathering medical knowledge. However, if the facilities are adequate, the procedure may be undertaken at a funeral home. Who can request an Autopsy? An autopsy can be requested by a County Coroner, the patient’s physician or by the patient’s family. In some cases the patient themselves may indicate their wish for an autopsy during discussions with their family or by signing a personal directive for the procedure. Except in the instance where the autopsy is requested by law enforcement agencies though the office of the Coroner, an autopsy cannot be performed without the signed consent of the legally designated next of kin or responsible party. When requesting an autopsy the family may make special requests to limit the study to a particular part of the body or even a particular organ which will be honored. In coroner cases a complete autopsy examination will be conducted at all
