The post-mortem report is a medical report that provides detailed information about the findings of a post-mortem examination. The report is typically prepared by a coroner, who is a medical doctor with specialized training in the examination of the human body after death.
The post-mortem report is used to determine the cause of death by examining the body for signs of injury, disease, or other conditions that may have contributed to the person’s death. This examination includes a thorough examination of the body, including the internal organs, tissues, and fluids.
The coroner will typically begin by examining the external appearance of the body, including any injuries or marks on the skin. They will then proceed to a more detailed examination of the internal organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The coroner will look for signs of injury, disease, or other conditions that may have contributed to the person’s death.
If the coroner identifies any abnormalities or injuries, they will take samples of tissues or fluids for further analysis. For example, if the coroner suspects that the person died from a drug overdose, they may take samples of blood or urine to test for the presence of drugs.
Once the examination is complete, the coroner will prepare a detailed report that includes a summary of the findings and a determination of the cause of death. The cause of death is typically reported as a primary cause, such as a heart attack, and may also include contributing factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
The post-mortem report is an important tool for determining the cause of death and may be used in legal proceedings, such as criminal investigations or civil lawsuits. It is important to note that the accuracy of the post-mortem report depends on the quality of the examination and the expertise of the pathologist conducting the examination. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the post-mortem examination is conducted by a qualified and experienced pathologist.