Citation

Claydon SM. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 1993; 14(3): 253-256.

Affiliation

Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8311061

Abstract

The high-risk autopsy is defined as postmortem examination of a deceased person who has had, or is likely to have had, a serious infectious disease that can be transmitted to those present at the autopsy, thereby causing them serious illness and/or premature death. In this article, particular attention is paid to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B infections, as these are diseases that are currently of concern among mortuary workers. Recognition of risk factors and incidence of cross-infection in the mortuary as well as various recommendations for preventive measures are discussed. The need for high-risk autopsies, both to further research into these infections and to assist the police in cases of suspicious death, is stressed.

Language: en