inconclusive autopsy`

diamount · 31 Oct 2015 at 22:25

So my auntie died suddenly on Wednesday night, on my fathers side. She woke up having trouble breathing, lost consciousnesses and the paramedics could not revive her and she was pronounced dead at the hospital. Now she underwent an autopsy and the results were inconclusive, and they won't be able to do another one for nearly 3 weeks. Has anyone had that happen? Is it normal? We do not even know when we can properly grieve and arrange funeral preparations.

NoobCannon · 31 Oct 2015 at 22:26

I dont think this is a question best answered by an internet forum to be honest.

Sorry for your loss

itchy · 31 Oct 2015 at 22:27

NoobCannon said:
I dont think this is a question best answered by an internet forum to be honest.

Sorry for your loss

^^^This mate.

But if you need to talk we all here.

robfosters · 31 Oct 2015 at 22:28

My nan had an inconclusive autopsy. They said it meant that they just couldn't pinpoint exactly what killed her. Didn't mean there was anything dodgy. However, she died in hospital, so as they were convinced it was natural causes (she had been ill), they didn't do a second one.

Mynight · 31 Oct 2015 at 22:28

Yeah my uncles was inconclusive

(not that it would have made a difference knowing why). Surely with all the medical knowledge at our disposal it should be solvable?(unless it's the case of a few set checks then deemed as inconclusive if they're negative :confused:

).

Regardless we were able to bury him after the verdict was delieved.

Very sorry to hear about your loss

.

diamount · 31 Oct 2015 at 22:31

I know it sounds morbid but just racking my brain around it is just mentally exhausting.

jsmoke · 31 Oct 2015 at 23:05

Not an expert by any means but they may need to wait on toxology results to double check on causes of death.

SexyGreyFox · 31 Oct 2015 at 23:09

Have you asked for a verdict and that's why they are waiting another 3 weeks?
A Post Mortem has to be carried out on all sudden deaths and a sudden death can turn into a Post Mortem > Inquest > Clinical Negligence claim so that's why they also need an answer.
I deal with about 10 Inquests a week which are a very small percentage of Post Mortems performed every week so that's why it can take a while.

Richie · 1 Nov 2015 at 08:58

Dimple said:
A Post Mortem has to be carried out on all sudden deaths...

No it doesn't. a PM only needs to be carried out at Sudden Deaths if a doctor doesn't issue a Death Certificate.

SexyGreyFox · 1 Nov 2015 at 09:04

Richie said:
No it doesn't. a PM only needs to be carried out at Sudden Deaths if a doctor doesn't issue a Death Certificate.

I did forgetfully miss that bit out

jsmoke · 1 Nov 2015 at 09:21

Richie said:
No it doesn't. a PM only needs to be carried out at Sudden Deaths if a doctor doesn't issue a Death Certificate.

Harold Shipmans thoughts.

DampCat · 1 Nov 2015 at 09:47

My dad was inconclusive. They opened an inquest and came back 3 weeks later with a cause. I'm not a doctor but I suppose not everything leaves obvious clues.

ste2005 · 1 Nov 2015 at 12:46

My wife does post mortems as part of her work, she says inconclusive usually means they have taken toxicology or histology(Taken samples to pop under a microscope). If they have taken histology it takes some time for it to get processed and made into slides that they can examine. But some times they can't find a cause.