Routine CT scan combined with preliminary examination as a new method in determining the need for autopsy

CT scanning is an intrinsic component of the workup of all admissions to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Using a new system of preliminary examination a decision is made by the coroner as to whether or not an autopsy should occur following consultation with a forensic pathologist. This study examines 318 consecutive cases for the month of July 2010 where the deceased had a preliminary examination including a CT scan which was primarily interpreted by a forensic pathologist. Findings relate to the age and sex of the deceased, the value of CT scanning, pathologist variability in advising an autopsy examination as well as the input from our sessional radiologist. A breakdown of natural versus unnatural death is provided. Overall the process is effective in developing interaction between the medical and legal elements at the VIFM in efforts to process admissions in the most suitable manner.