Autopsy
| Abbrev Code: | AUTOPSY EXAM | ||
| Order Code: | LAB4607 | Order Name: | Autopsy Exam |
| Synonyms: | Postmortem Examination; Fetal Autopsy | ||
| CPT Codes: | 88020 x1, 88027 x1, 88028 x1, 88036 x1 | ||
| Test Includes: | Gross and microscopic exam and diagnosis. Additional studies will be performed when clinically indicated or by special request. | ||
| Turnaround Time: | Provisional autopsy diagnosis is available within 24 hours; final report is available within 30 working days. | ||
| Special Instructions: | Call to notify Pathology of a pending autopsy at 612-273-3486. The following information must be provided: patient care unit, caller name and phone number, patient name and medical record number, requesting physician and pager, person signing consult and permit, if routine or emergency. Autopsy will not be performed until a valid signed "Authorization for Postmortem Examination" has been completed by the highest ranking survivor on the next-of-kin lineage. For additional information refer to intranet policies and procedures. | ||
| Associated Links: | |||
Collection Instructions
| Container: | Patient |
| Collection Instructions: | Not applicable. |
Processing and Shipping
| Test Performed at or Referral Lab | Anatomic Pathology, West Bank (UMMC East Bank) |
Interpretive
| Use: | Ascertain diseases and their pathogenesis, evaluate the effects of treatment, determine the cause(s) of death. Identify underlying and proximate causes of death; identify discordance between clinical autopsy diagnoses; and clarify questions the decedent's family may have about the cause of death. Benefits of autopsies include the discovery of new diseases; causal relationships and complications; education of medical students, residents and doctors; evaluation of new technologies, therapies and interventions; research and a source of such organs as corneal grafts. Additional purposes include genetic counseling (molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics); diagnosis of unexpected contagious diseases or occupational diseases; reinforcement of importance of medical uncertainty; improvement of the accuracy of death certificates; positive effect on insurance and death benefit claims. |
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