Novel device to measure body length at autopsy

Abstract

Every text book or manual on autopsy procedure instructs that the length of the body is to be measured at every post mortem examination conducted. However, how, and with what instrument, this is to be carried out is not described. An internet search failed to find resources describing the technique; nor could any images of an appropriate instrument to measure body length at autopsy, or videos demonstrating the technique, be found. The method of ascertaining the length of the body varies from place to place. Either they are not accurate, require two operators for an accurate reading, or require the use of a cumbersome instrument. Therefore, the authors invented, and have successfully used, an accurate, low cost, small device which is simple to use by a single operator, to measure the length of bodies at autopsy. A detailed description of the device, and method of using, to obtain an accurate length is given for the benefit of those carrying out pathological, coronial or forensic autopsies.