In a perfect medical examiner/coroner world, every decedent that requires an autopsy would be received shortly after death and unembalmed. However, there are instances where the decedent has already been embalmed, interred and there may be a need for the decedent to be exhumed and autopsied, such as the death investigation may be incomplete and/or suspicions of foul play, with allegations of poisoning. A significant question that may arise prior to an exhumation being ordered, if the issue is a potential poisoning: “Will drugs be detected after embalming and burial?” If the answer is no, the courts may be inclined not to disturb the sanctity of the grave.
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