FAQs
who do I contact a virtual private autopsy?
Please call 1 888 521 0866 or email info@virtopsy.ca to start the virtual post-mortem autopsy request. Have the name of the deceased and the funeral home number ready.
who do I contact a virtual private autopsy?
Please call 1 888 521 0866 or email info@virtopsy.ca to start the virtual post-mortem autopsy request. Have the name of the deceased and the funeral home number ready.
How long does it take?
A CT scan uncovers in minutes what can traditionally take hours in a traditional post-mortem.
From start to finish – scan to report – is approximately 7 business days.
What is the preparation?
We work with your Funeral Director to prepare the body for CT scanning. This involves the placement of a catheter into one of the vessels leading out of the heart and placing the body in a proper enclosure for transportation to and from the hospital.
Prior to committing to the procedure we check to see that the funeral home is able to provide the necessary preparations.
What is a catheter for?
There are some situations where a contrast materiel may be necessary to perform a deep investigation in heart disease. The catheter provides and access for the introduction of a small amount of contrast material in order for the CT scanner to “see” all the vessels in the heart.
Contrast injection is not necessary in every single situation. It is unknown before hand whether or not this is necessary.
How soon can this be done?
A post-mortem CT scan is usually done within 72 hours. In some cases it can be does same day.
The family cannot accompany the body for safety and security reasons.
What is a CT scan?
CT stands for Computed Tomography. Also called a CAT scan. A CT scanner is a short tunnel-like x-ray machine that takes hundreds of cross-sectional images of the inside of the body.
What does the CT scan look at?
The head, thorax, spine, arms and legs are scanned. Special attention is given to a heart scan. This may involve the injection of a contrast material directly into the heart and its vessels in order to seen any occlusions or damage.
What can a CT scan see in the deceased?
Head/Brain Injury (example: infarctions, hemorrhage, stroke and haematomas)
Heart and Vessels Disease (example: heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease)
Lung Related Disease (example: infection, cancer, pneumonia, COPD, drowning)
Abdominal Organs and Disease (example: bowel perforation obstruction, cirrhosis of the liver, haematomas)
Injury Due to Trauma (example: fractured bones, dislocations, death from hanging, effect from invasive wounds)
This is only a sample list and does not represent the full scope. Speak with us and we will work with you to see if this is an appropriate choice for you and your family.
Are there limitations?
Like all modern technology, it is continually evolving.
The majority of post-mortem question can be answered with a virtopsy. Occasionally a virtual post-mortem does not find the cause of death and traditional means may be necessary.
Is the family doctor need involved?
Yes. The deceased’s family doctor needs to sign a requisition authorizing the CT scan.
Forms are now available on-line.
The family doctor can also help interpret the findings.