How does an autopsy differ from a post-mortem examination?

An autopsy is a systematic and thorough examination conducted on a deceased individual to determine the cause of death. It involves both external and internal examinations, including the dissection of organs to identify disease processes, injuries, or any abnormalities present. This process is pivotal in understanding disease progression, confirming clinical diagnoses, or aiding in legal investigations.

In contrast, a post-mortem examination can refer to a variety of assessments performed after death, which might not necessarily follow the structured methodology of an autopsy. It can be broader in scope, sometimes including tests such as toxicology, microbiology, and histological analysis without the detailed dissection involved in a full autopsy. The primary focus of an autopsy is to understand the cause of death via a systematic procedure, whereas the term post-mortem can encompass various analyses that may not adhere to the rigorous protocol of a full autopsy.

This distinction is crucial for healthcare professionals, legal experts, and pathologists when considering the manner in which they assess cases of death and the implications for further investigations or legal considerations.