Autopsy chemistry

Abstract

Autopsy chemistry, or postmortem chemistry, is the term applied to the measurement of endogenous constituents in dead bodies. Toxicological tests, which measure concentrations of exogenous drugsand toxins, are discussed in Chapter 13. Postmortem chemical studies provide direct information concerning derangements of physiology. In contrast, customary gross and histological autopsy examinations are primarily tests of structural derangements, from which physiologic derangements may sometimes be inferred. Chemical testing may not only establish the cause of death but may contribute to the evaluation of the physiologic effects of recognizable anatomic lesions. For example, the extent of uremia can be determined in a case of polycystic kidney disease. © 2009 Humana Press.