Editing Autopsy (section)

=== External examination ===
At many institutions, the person responsible for handling, cleaning, and moving the body is called a [[diener]], the [[German language|German]] word for ''servant''. In the UK this role is performed by an Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT), who will also assist the pathologist in eviscerating the body and reconstruction after the autopsy. After the body is received, it is first [[Photography|photographed]]. The examiner then notes the kind of clothes – if any – and their position on the body before they are removed. Next, any evidence such as residue, flakes of paint, or other material is collected from the external surfaces of the body. [[Ultraviolet]] light may also be used to search body surfaces for any evidence not easily visible to the naked eye. Samples of [[hair]], [[Nail (anatomy)|nails]], and the like are taken, and the body may also be [[X-ray|radiographically imaged]]. Once the external evidence is collected, the body is removed from the bag, undressed, and any [[wound]]s present are examined. The body is then cleaned, weighed, and measured in preparation for the internal examination.

A general description of the body as regards [[ethnic group]], [[sex]], age, [[Human hair colour|hair colour]] and length, [[eye colour]], and other distinguishing features ([[birthmark]]s, old [[scar]] [[Tissue (biology)|tissue]], [[Nevus|moles]], [[tattoo]]s, etc.) is then made. A [[Dictation machine|voice recorder]] or a standard examination form is normally used to record this information.

In some countries,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Glossary:Autopsy |url=https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Glossary:Autopsy |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=ec.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MEDICO-LEGAL SYSTEMS IN EUROPE {{!}} Office of Justice Programs |url=https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/medico-legal-systems-europe |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=www.ojp.gov}}</ref> ''e.g.'', Scotland, France, Germany, Russia, and Canada, an autopsy may comprise an external examination only. This concept is sometimes termed a "view and grant". The principle behind this is that the medical records, history of the deceased and circumstances of death have all indicated as to the cause and manner of death without the need for an internal examination.<ref>{{cite web|last1=St Andrew's House|title=Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland – Death Cases: A Thematic Report on Liaison in Death Cases with Particular Reference to Organ Retention|url=http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2007/07/16093109/7|website=Scottish Government|language=en|date=18 July 2007}}</ref>