No invasive technique be adopted for forensic autopsy in COVID-19 death cases: ICMR

Invasive technique should not be adopted for forensic autopsy in COVID-19death cases as mortuary staff are exposed to potentially dangerous health risks due to organ fluids and secretions even after taking the highest precautions, the ICMR said on Tuesday.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in its 'Standard Guidelines for Medico-legal autopsy in COVID-19 deaths in India', said, "It will prevent the spread of infection to doctors, mortuary staff, police persons and all the people in chain of dead body disposal."
As per the procedure of conducting forensic autopsy, "...along with external examination, multiple photographs and verbal autopsy(as depicted by WHO)...post-mortem should be conducted strictly avoiding any invasive surgical procedures and avoiding splashing of body fluids contact for staffs, body handlers and doctors conducting post-mortem."