Scheme to test if CT scans could replace some invasive post-mortem examinations

A pilot scheme is to examine whether CT scans could replace invasive post-mortem examinations as part of investigations into some deaths.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), the independent authority for the investigation of sudden and unexplained deaths, has approved the pilot as it seeks changes that would minimise the distress to families involved.

COPFS is responsible for instructing professionals such as pathologists to carry out work to determine the cause of a death.

The pilot scheme in Glasgow will examine the use of imaging as a forensic tool and will initially cover 15 cases.

It will consider whether a CT scan could allow pathologists to perform “minimally invasive” post-mortem examinations in some cases, and whether it could replace an invasive post-mortem examination in any category of death.

The pilot also aims to establish whether using CT scanning, in addition to the traditional non-invasive and invasive post-mortem procedures, could improve the accuracy of establishing a final cause of death.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “We recognise it can be distressing to know that a post-mortem is required and the procurator fiscal only ever instructs one where it is necessary to establish the cause of death.

“We are committed to putting families experiencing the trauma of unexplained deaths at the centre of our work.

“COPFS and the pathologists who carry out examinations on our behalf are seeking to identify any changes that would minimise the distress to families.

“The review paper, when it is available, will form part of our ongoing work on improvements to the process of resolving death investigations.”

During a CT scan post-mortem, the body is examined internally using a CT (computed tomography) scanner, which uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed digital images.

The pilot scheme will be delivered collaboratively by pathology and radiology teams at the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

During the pilot, the CT scan will be carried out in addition to an instructed post-mortem examination to enable researchers to compare the two methods.

The programme will focus on adult post-mortem examinations performed at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital mortuary by University of Glasgow pathologists.

COPFS said that families will not be affected by delays to standard timescales.