A post mortem examination is a medical examination of a body after death to find out the cause of a death. A Coroner's post mortem examination is independent and is carried out by a suitable medical practitioner such as a Pathologist (a doctor who specialises in medical diagnosis by examining organs, tissues and fluids) of the Coroner's choice.
The Coroner decides whether or not a post mortem examination is needed and what type of examination is most appropriate. By law, the Coroner is not required to obtain your consent to the examination, but he or she will give you the reason for his or her decision (which will be one or more of the factors set out in 'When is a Death Reported to a Coroner').
Usually a post mortem examination involves opening and examining the body internally. In some parts of the country other techniques such as CT (computerised tomography) scanning or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are available and may be preferred by people who have a strong objection to invasive examination of the body. It is the Coroner who will decide if a scanning technique is appropriate (if available), depending on the circumstances of the death. The use of a scanning technique may not avoid the need for a full post mortem examination if the scan does not identify the cause of death.
Where possible, Coroners will take account of your religious and cultural needs whilst acting in accordance with the law when ordering a post mortem examination and the type of examination to be performed.
You can be represented by a doctor of your choice at the examination, although this is not normally necessary (and you would have to pay any fee the doctor may charge). If you choose to be represented you should advise the Coroner straight away. The Coroner's office will tell you when and where the examination will happen.
Sometimes the Coroner will request a 'forensic post mortem examination' (for example, in a case of suspected murder) or additional scientific examination of material to assist with establishing the cause of death or, rarely, the identity of the deceased.
If you remain concerned about the cause of death, you can arrange for a separate, additional post mortem examination. This would be at your own expense, once the Coroner has released the body.
Standards of service you can expect regarding a post mortem examination:
- wherever possible the Coroner's office will, on request, tell you when and where an examination will be performed
- if you have queries, or object to the decision to hold a post mortem examination or carry out additional examination of tissue, you should let the Coroner's office know as soon as possible so your wishes can be considered
- if the Coroner decides not to request a post mortem examination, and you think there should be one, you should discuss this with the Coroner's office
- in all cases the final decision about a post mortem examination and any other tests is the responsibility of the Coroner
