Autopsy and Perinatal Services
The Division of Pathology at Cincinnati Children’s provides autopsy services for outlying institutions, offering comprehensive fetal and perinatal postmortem examinations performed by highly trained pediatric pathologists.
Autopsy Schedule and Coordination
Routine autopsies are performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Weekend or holiday autopsies require prior approval from the on-call pathologist. Institutions should contact us before sending a case to coordinate record transfer and paperwork.
Genetic Testing Considerations
Genetic testing is not included as part of the autopsy but may be requested separately through the Genetics and Genomics Diagnostic Laboratory. The requesting physician must complete a genetic testing requisition form in advance to prevent delays. Genetic testing is billed separately by the Division of Human Genetics.
Transportation and Identification Requirements
The outlying institution is responsible for arranging transportation of the patient to and from Cincinnati Children’s, including return transport to the institution or funeral home. Each body must arrive with at least two patient identifiers. Without proper identification, the morgue cannot accept the body, and no autopsy will be performed.
Required Documentation
- A signed autopsy permit (only Cincinnati Children’s forms are accepted). Forms are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
- A contact information form listing physicians who should receive reports or be contacted for additional information.
- Clinical history, including medical records, prenatal care details, ultrasound reports, and relevant test results.
- Placental examination materials, including a placental worksheet and the placenta (fresh or in formalin). If the placenta was previously examined at another institution, slides, pathology reports, and any remaining tissue samples should be provided.
Fees and Additional Services
Autopsy fees are competitively structured and billed directly to the contracting institution—under no circumstances will families or their insurance providers be billed. Routine clinical laboratory testing such as cultures and molecular viral testing is included at no additional charge. Any reference lab testing requires prior approval and a payment agreement.
Radiographic imaging is not standard practice but can be arranged through the Radiology Department for an additional fee. These charges will be included in the autopsy service invoice.
Autopsy Reports
- Preliminary report: Available within two business days and faxed to the designated contact.
- Final report: Completed within 60 business days and faxed to the designated contact.
Transport Instructions
The outlying hospital must coordinate transport to Cincinnati Children’s Morgue. Upon arrival, the courier or funeral home driver should call Protective Services for access. The same procedure applies for retrieval after autopsy completion.
For more information or assistance, contact us.
