Why should I consider granting permission for an autopsy?
Many people believe that autopsies should only be performed when there
is uncertainty as to the cause of death. Although this is certainly
a good reason for an autopsy, it is not the only reason. An autopsy
can be reassuring for the family, verifying that there was nothing unknown
going on. If unexpected findings are uncovered, this can be of great
benefit to the continuing education of our doctors and nurses. Autopsy
examination allows us to fully evaluate the extent of the disease process
and the effectiveness of therapy, giving us more information about how
diseases behave in the human body and how we might better help other
patients with similar diseases.
What will the autopsy cost me? Who may give permission for an autopsy?
In Connecticut, the permission of the family member who is assuming
responsibility for the burial of the patient is required for a hospital
autopsy. Permission may be given in person by signing the permission
form, or may be given over the phone if the telephone conversation is
witnessed by a second member of the hospital staff.
What actually happens during an autopsy?
An autopsy, derived from a Greek word meaning "seeing for oneself",
is a careful medical examination of the body and its organs by a physician
specializing in the study of human diseases. Surgical techniques are
used to remove and examine each organ, and tissue is selected for microscopic
examination or other special tests as indicated. Each procedure is conducted
with the utmost skill, respect, and professionalism.
Are there religious objections to performing an autopsy?
Autopsies have been performed on individuals of all religious backgrounds,
and most major religions leave this decision to the next-of-kin. However,
as religious decisions are always personal, you may wish to consult
with your priest, minister, rabbi, or other religious leader.
Will an autopsy limit what funeral arrangements I am able to make?
No. Even a complete autopsy in no way disfigures the body, and the deceased
can still be viewed in an open casket. In addition, since autopsies
are performed seven days a week, 365 days a year, there is generally
no need to delay or alter funeral arrangements. The hospital staff will
work with the funeral director of your choice to be sure the body is
available on time.
If I would like some questions answered, but do not want a complete
autopsy performed, can I give permission for a limited autopsy?
Yes. We will honor any restrictions which you might wish to make. It
is not uncommon, for example, for the family to request that the autopsy
examination not include examination of the brain. Of course, many diseases
affect multiple organs and tissues, and as such we prefer to perform
as complete an examination as is possible so the most information will
be obtained.
Can an autopsy be performed even if I have given permission for
organ donation?
Yes. Of course, any organs which have been donated cannot be evaluated
at the time of the autopsy, but much can still be learned from the organs
which remain.
Yale-New Haven hospital recognizes the importance of evaluating
the death of every one of its patients to the fullest extent possible.
Therefore, we will perform an autopsy free of charge on anyone who has
ever been a patient of the Yale-New Haven Hospital. This is true even
if the patient dies outside of the hospital, such as in a nursing facility
or at home.
Can Yale do an autopsy on someone who was never a patient of the
Yale-New Haven Hospital?
Yes. We provide a full range of consultation services for other hospitals
and members of the community. This ranges from complete autopsies to
examination of individual organs to review of slides from an autopsy
performed at another institution. However, if the patient was never
treated at Yale, we have to charge a fee to cover our expenses in processing
the case.
