When there is a sudden unexpected death, the Coroner arranges a post mortem to establish the medical cause of death. If the post mortem is inconclusive, the Coroner can authorise further tests (histology*, microbiology**, toxicology***) on organs or tissue samples. Unfortunately these tests may take several weeks. The Coroner’s Officer can provide information and explain the relevant procedures. To read the Coroners Amendment Rules 2005 and how they apply to further tests after a post mortem examination please visit :
http://www.uk-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050420.htm
*histology - study of miscroscopic changes in diseased tissue
**microbiology - study of disease causing micro organisms
***toxicology - study of the nature and effects of poisons (eg drugs,alcohol)
