The National Autopsy Data Bank

The National Autopsy DAta Bank was conceived by the CAP in 1975 as a central repository of pathologic, biomedical, demographic, and epidemiologic information useful for a range of scientific and research endeavors. Successful phase I and phase II pilot studies have demonstrated that central autopsy data collection is feasible and desirable. In addition, the inconsistent quality and lack of uniformity in performing and reporting autopsies has led to the establishment of new objectives. Here, the authors trace the development of the NADB, reveal what has been learned from the studies, and highlight the directions in which the project is heading.