Which laboratory studies can change an autopsy’s final diagnosis?

Following the gross examination of a body, pathologists compile a list of provisional anatomical diagnoses. These initial findings are often refined and corrected after the completion of various laboratory studies, which are essential for establishing the final anatomical diagnosis and the final cause of death.1

The laboratory studies that can influence or change an autopsy’s final diagnosis include:

• Histological studies: Microscopic examination of cells and tissues to identify disease processes that may not be visible to the naked eye.1
• Chemical and Toxicological analyses: These are critical for identifying the presence and quantity of drugs or poisons in the body, which may have caused or contributed to death.123
• Bacteriological and Viral studies: Laboratory cultures and tests used to detect infectious agents that may have been the underlying cause of death.1

By integrating these specialized results with the initial clinical and anatomical findings, pathologists can perform a "clinical pathological correlation," ensuring the final record is accurate and complete.1