UCSF Medical Center performs autopsies as a courtesy to UCSF doctors and the families of deceased UCSF patients. An autopsy provides valuable medical information and often closure to a patient's family.
Autopsy Service
Autopsy Service
(415) 353-1629
Our highly experienced pathologists perform about 180 autopsies every year, covering a wide range of conditions. In each case, they make a precise diagnosis and document the extent of disease, effect of treatment and cause of death.
Arrangements and Cost
UCSF performs autopsies only on patients who have died within UCSF Health's hospitals, and only if we've received signed consent from the patient's legal next of kin or designated durable power of attorney for health care. Our Patient Relations office helps doctors and families complete the necessary paperwork. There's no charge for autopsies of patients who die in UCSF's Parnassus, Mission Bay or Mount Zion hospitals.
What Happens in an Autopsy
A complete autopsy involves dissection of organs from all body cavities – the chest, abdomen and cranium. In some cases, however, the patient's family asks that it be limited to a certain area of concern. Pathologists preserve and store the dissected organs as long as they're needed for study, and eventually they're cremated.
Autopsy incisions are never made on the face, hands or any other part of the body that might be visible at a funeral, so there's no evidence of the autopsy, even with an open casket. Immediately following the autopsy, the body cavities are closed with stitches, and we notify the designated mortuary.
Receiving the Autopsy Results
Autopsies are usually performed within one business day after we receive written consent. Pathologists send a final report of their findings to the patient's referring doctor within one month of the procedure. In most cases, the doctor discusses the final report with the family and interprets the autopsy findings. The legal next-of-kin can also request a copy of the final report from UCSF Medical Records.
