External Examination
Definition
The stage of the autopsy in which the pathologist examines the body surface, documents injuries, and removes clothing before any incisions are made. Entomological collection must be completed before this stage proceeds past initial observation.
Related terms
- Body Bag
- The sealed bag used to transport the body from scene to mortuary. Treated as a collection zone because migrating larvae, puparia, and...
- Instar
- A developmental stage between moults (ecdysis). Blow flies have three larval instars (L1, L2, L3), each ending when the larva sheds its...
- Internal Cavity Insects
- Larvae or puparia found inside the skull, thorax, or abdomen during internal autopsy examination. They often represent colonisation through wounds or extended...
- Maggot Mass Documentation
- The photographic and physical record of each maggot mass location, volume, instar, and temperature taken at the start of autopsy before any...
- Puparium
- The hardened, barrel-shaped case formed from the last larval skin when a blow fly larva pupates. Puparia are dark brown and can...
Explained in
- Collection at Autopsy and from the BodyThe stage of the autopsy in which the pathologist examines the body surface, documents injuries, and removes clothing before any incisions are made. Entomologi...