The purpose of an academic autopsy is to answer questions regarding the nature of the decedent's illness, cause of death or co-existing conditions.

Whether an autopsy request comes from a patient’s physician or family, the legally designated next of kin must provide consent. This consent may be in writing or over the phone. When providing consent, the next of kin may stipulate limitations to the autopsy examination, including those for religious beliefs.

An academic autopsy provides information about an illness or disease process. Academic autopsies are performed when the manner of death is thought to be natural. It requires the consent of the legal next of kin. Although a rare occurrence, the pathologist can decline to perform an autopsy.

Forensic autopsies fall under state authority in Vermont and county authority in New York and do not require consent by next of kin. A pathologist may perform a forensic autopsy to help establish the cause and manner of death as deemed necessary by the authorities in each state (medical examiner and states attorney in VT and coroner in NY). Forensic autopsies are performed as part of investigations into deaths associated with accidents, homicides, suicides or if the cause of death is undetermined. If the forensic pathologist after reviewing a case decides the death is natural and a forensic autopsy is not required, is the next of kin may request an academic autopsy.

Before the autopsy, the pathologist carefully reviews the decedent's hospital record and may discuss the clinical findings with the next of kin and physicians who cared for the patient. During the autopsy, the pathologist:

• Conducts an external examination
• Performs an internal examination of organs and tissues using standard surgical procedures
• Collects tissue samples for microscopic examination and other laboratory tests
• Takes X-rays and digital photographs, as needed

The autopsy procedure usually takes three to five hours. Analyzing tissues through microscopic study, reviewing test results and writing the final report usually takes several months.

Autopsies benefit families, physicians and the greater community in a variety of ways. They may:

• Identify hereditary illnesses and lead to early detection of disease or preventive measures in other family members
• Help bring closure to grieving families by better understanding the cause of their loved one’s death
• Increase scientific knowledge by helping doctors find causes of illness or evaluate the effects of various treatments
• Improve public health by allowing for a record of the frequency and impact of diseases

At all times, we maintain an atmosphere of dignity and respect for the deceased and your wishes. Our pathologists, trainees and staff regard the autopsy room as a place for respectfully gathering the information needed to answer the medical questions related to the patient’s illnesses and death.

We ensure the autopsy does not interfere with the funeral service or viewing of the deceased. Once you make funeral arrangements, we coordinate with the funeral home to avoid delay. We contact the funeral home immediately upon completion of the autopsy.

Preliminary findings are usually available within 24 – 48 hours. Family members may request a phone call to discuss preliminary findings with a pathologist. The completed final report typically takes 60 working days, or close to three months, due to the various tests we perform.

The final report is sent to the decedent's hospital physician and primary care or referring provider. It also becomes part of the decedent's medical record. The next of kin or responsible party may obtain a copy of the final report:

• From one of the patient’s physicians
• By calling the autopsy service, or at the time of consenting to the autopsy, asking to be sent a paper copy of the final report.

Organ and tissue donation are still possible if an autopsy is requested. Designated organs and tissues are removed by the organ donation team before an autopsy is performed. If a patient has arranged to donate their body to a medical school for anatomic study, we do not perform an autopsy.

What we learn through an autopsy on one person may help save the lives of others. For this reason, there is no charge for academic autopsy for individuals who pass away in Vermont.

Academic autopsies are performed at University of Vermont Medical Center. Patients are transported via a family-chosen funeral home from the originating hospital or other location. There may be an added cost to the family for this transportation.