This brief guidance has been produced by RCPath following the outbreak of the COVID-19 infection. It is produced to aid mortuary staff and pathologists in deciding if a post mortem is appropriate on a possible COVID-19 death and to advise them on the possible risks associated with such a case and how to reduce these risks. It also covers diagnosis of COVID-19 at post mortem.
In general, if a death is believed to be due to confirmed COVID-19 infection, there is unlikely to be any need for a post mortem to be conducted and the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death should be issued.
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