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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 1/2021

01-03-2021 | Computed Tomography | Review

COVID-19 in the autopsy room–requirements, safety, recommendations and pathological findings

Authors: Jacek Baj, Marzanna Ciesielka, Grzegorz Buszewicz, Ryszard Maciejewski, Barbara Budzyńska, Piotr Listos, Grzegorz Teresiński

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Modern technologies enable the exchange of information about the expansion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the continually increasing number of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases almost in real time. The gravity of a current epidemiological situation is represented by the mortality rates, which are scrupulously updated daily. Performing autopsies on patients with either suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is of high importance since these might not only improve clinical management but also reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection expansion. The following paper aimed to present the most crucial aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection from the point of view of forensic experts and pathologists, recommendations and safety precautions regarding autopsies, autopsy room requirements, possible techniques, examinations used for effective viral detection, recommendations regarding burials, and gross and microscopic pathological findings of the deceased who died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Autopsies remain the gold standard for determining the cause of death. Therefore, it would be beneficial to perform autopsies on patients with both suspected and confirmed COVID-19, especially those with coexisting comorbidities.
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Metadata
Title
COVID-19 in the autopsy room–requirements, safety, recommendations and pathological findings
Authors
Jacek Baj
Marzanna Ciesielka
Grzegorz Buszewicz
Ryszard Maciejewski
Barbara Budzyńska
Piotr Listos
Grzegorz Teresiński
Publication date
01-03-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-020-00341-1

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