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1. What determines whether or not an autopsy is necessary?

The Walworth County Medical Examiner's office will consider the facts of each case individually. Once we receive all of the pertinent information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death, we will determine what level of investigation/examination is necessary to determine the cause and manner of death. In some cases, this will require the performance of an autopsy.

2. What is an autopsy? Will it affect the funeral arrangements?

An autopsy is a medical examination of a decedent and consists of two parts: an external examination and an internal examination. During the external examination, the decedent is first examined as received (including any clothing present), again after removal of clothing, and yet again after being cleaned up. Throughout the examination process, the findings (traumatic injuries, disease states, etc.) are documented. Following the external examination, the decedent is then examined internally, with all organs and tissues examined for the presence of injuries and pre-existing natural disease.

In the course of an autopsy, samples of various organs, tissues, and body fluids are retained for additional studies, if warranted. These studies include toxicology (testing for drugs, etc.), microscopic examination and microbiology (bacterial, viral, or fungal cultures). In addition, other items of evidence may be collected, such as:

• Bullets
• Fingernail Clippings
• Hair
• Knife Blades
• Ligatures
• Sexual Assault Swabs
• Trace Evidence

Funeral Arrangements

The performance of an autopsy should not affect funeral arrangements. The incisions made during autopsy are easily concealed by a funeral director and are not visible during the funeral visitation. The performance of the autopsy should not delay the funeral under most circumstances.

3. Will I have to pay for an autopsy?

No. There is no charge to the family for an autopsy on a death which falls under the legal jurisdiction of the Walworth County Medical Examiner's office.

4. Will the Walworth County Medical Examiner's Office perform an autopsy on a Walworth County death which does not fall within its legal jurisdiction (a "private" autopsy)?

It is the policy of the Walworth County Medical Examiner's office not to perform "private autopsies" on Walworth County deaths, as it is felt to represent a possible conflict of interest. As this is a county office, funded by tax dollars, the performance of autopsies on Walworth County deaths is restricted to those which fall within our legal jurisdiction. In other words, the medical examiner's office is not mandated to perform an autopsy on any Walworth County death-only on those over which jurisdiction is assumed. The office may, however, be able to provide next-of-kin with contact numbers for pathologists known to perform private autopsies. Be aware that the cost of a private autopsy is the financial responsibility of the legal next-of-kin.