Common Questions

Will an autopsy affect funeral arrangements?

No. There is no change in the appearance of your loved one following an autopsy. We will work with your funeral director to attempt to schedule the autopsy so as not to affect funeral arrangements.

How long does an autopsy take?

The actual autopsy procedure generally takes several hours. We can generally schedule the autopsy within 2-3 days after the family authorizes the autopsy.
It generally takes 6-8 weeks to issue a complete autopsy report to you. Complex cases may take longer and may require additional tests.

Who will perform the autopsy?

Nevada law requires that the autopsy be performed by a Nevada licensed physician. Under no circumstances will the autopsy be performed by a physician not licensed in the state of Nevada or a non-physician.

Will there be a report?

Yes, the report the next of kin receives will contain a detailed description of each organ system with a list of findings, pathological diagnosis, and a cause of death. This report will be sent to the address indicated on the Autopsy Consent form. Upon receiving the report, families are encouraged to call our office if they have any questions.

Reports may also be requested by an attorney representing the next of kin or via subpoena.

Are photographs taken during the autopsy?

Digital images are taken in each case and retained for a period of 7 years. Autopsy photos are not provided as part of the Autopsy report and are not released to the family or news media under any circumstances. Images are only released to an attorney by written request, by subpoena, or in accordance with a court order. A clerk’s authorization for release of medical records is not sufficient to release images of an autopsy to the family.