Since the case Forensic Pathologist determines the extent of the patient’s postmortem examination and bases this decision on the facts presented and on the initial assessment, the length of time required to perform an autopsy can vary significantly. A standard autopsy can take 2 hours or longer from beginning to end (not including pre-autopsy preparation and photography). Complicated cases or traumatic deaths with multiple injuries can take much longer in order to thoroughly document all observations. All medicolegal autopsies in the state are performed at the State Medical Examiner’s Office. Patient case load and the time involved in transporting cases to and from the Medical Examiner’s Office should be considered when planning funeral services.
