Considerations for Gross Autopsy Photography

Abstract

Photography has been a mainstay of autopsy documentation for many years. Recent advances in digital photography have increased its prominence. Good photographic practice requires an understanding of how a camera works, basic optics, and basic digital processes, as well as traditional compositional issues. The quality of autopsy photography is a function both of the skill of the photographer and how the imaging process fits into the autopsy workflow. Numerous technical issues affect image quality, including the type of sensor, the type of camera back, the lens, the aperture, the shutter speed, and lighting. The choice of output format and procedures for archival of images is important. A number of special processes may be part of autopsy pathology including epiluminescence, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and ultraviolet and infrared photography. Postprocessing of images is common, but must be documented.