- Post-mortem examinations provide valuable information about the cause of death. They take place in the mortuary, and are carried out by a pathologist (a doctor with specialist medical training).
- The Procurator Fiscal makes the decision as to whether a post-mortem is required. Generally a post-mortem is not required if:
- a doctor certifies the cause of death after an external examination.
- there is no suspicion of criminality or negligence.
- In cases where the death is reported to the Procurator Fiscal because the person has not been seen by the general practitioner in the previous 14 days, the Procurator Fiscal will consult with the deceased's general practitioner. A post-mortem is not usually ordered in such cases.
- The family/relatives do not have the right to object to a post-mortem, and their consent is not required for a post-mortem to proceed. However, in the event that they have any strong objections to the post mortem (e.g., on religious grounds) they should inform the Procurator Fiscal of these.
- The family/relatives may wish to be represented at the post-mortem by a doctor of their choice.
- Normally, only one doctor will carry out the post-mortem, but should criminal proceedings be likely or if the cause of death is drug-related, the post-mortem is usually conducted by two doctors.
- The procedure involves:
- a careful external examination of the body.
- a detailed internal examination during which the major organs are removed, weighed and inspected.
- taking small samples of tissue and/or fluid for testing.
- taking photographs, x-rays and digital video images should a visual record of findings be required. (These are normally kept as part of the records.)
- The samples of tissue and/or fluid are kept indefinitely in case they are required in the future to answer any questions about the cause of death. Specific written consent is required for anything else to be kept (e.g., for further study or research).
- Some tests may take several weeks, and if the tissue and organs are to be returned to the body, the funeral may be delayed. Alternatively, the family/relatives may agree to the hospital respectfully disposing of the tissue or organs after testing is complete.
- If a post-mortem reveals that the death was due to natural causes, the Procurator Fiscal will release the body. The death can then be registered, and the funeral can take place.
- If the cause of death remains in doubt following a post-mortem, a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) may be held.
- In circumstances where there is to be an inquest, the Procurator Fiscal will usually issue a burial order or cremation certificate after the post mortem is completed to allow the funeral to take place.
- Since 27 June, 2003, it has been possible to cremate body parts which have been removed during a post-mortem examination. A Medical Referee can permit the cremation of body parts and will provide written authorisation (Certificate in Form FF) if satisfied by a certificate releasing body parts (Form DD), by a certificate of registered death and by the application form (Form AA) which has been completed and signed by the next of kin or executor. If the Medical Referee is not satisfied on one of these matters, the Scottish Ministers can authorise the Medical Referee to allow the cremation to proceed, if cremation can properly take place.
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