The loss of a loved one is never easy, but it may be especially difficult when the circumstances of the death are unclear or mysterious. In situations where the cause of death may seem uncertain, or even in situations where there is suspicion, a full medical autopsy can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Completing an autopsy takes time, as the coroner, medical examiner, or independent autopsy provider must perform a full physical evaluation. In some cases, toxicology and other reports may be required. As such, you should not expect the results of your autopsy immediately.
What Is the Typical Timeline for Completing a Final Autopsy Report?
As a rule of thumb, most autopsy reports will be delivered in writing within 90 days. In some jurisdictions, the coroner or examiner may call the next of kin before the report is finalized, providing an informal overview.
In addition, there are a few factors that can affect the timeline for an autopsy report’s completion.
Case Backlog
First and foremost, keep in mind that coroners’ and medical examiners’ work requires precision and care. As such, a backlog of cases means that it may take a little time before your case can be completed. In some cases, a significant backlog or insufficient resources can extend the autopsy timeline past 90 days.
Laboratory Availability
The county coroner or medical examiner may also be restricted in which laboratories they can use to process the toxicology and histology samples required for the autopsy report completion. These laboratories can also experience backlog, further disrupting the timeline for the coroners and medical examiners.
Private Autopsy Services
Private autopsy services generally aim to provide a final report within 90 days as well. However, private forensic pathologists often have lighter caseloads and more flexibility in choosing laboratories than the county coroner or medical examiner. As a result, a private autopsy is more easily able to maintain that 90-day timeline. In fact, independent pathologists may offer autopsy report services to coroners and medical examiners to help them meet their 90-day timeline.
Seek Independent Autopsy Services in Indiana and Illinois
At Saguaro Forensic Consulting, we strive to promptly deliver final autopsy reports within that 90-day window. We are pleased to offer private autopsy services throughout Indiana and Illinois, always emphasizing prompt turnaround times and clear, accessible reports. Learn more about autopsy report completion.
