Private Autopsies

The William L. Jenkins Forensic Center

AS OF 09/01/25:  PRIVATE AUTOPSIES SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

The pathologists of the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center may perform private autopsies on a case-by-case basis at the request of the decedent’s next of kin. Inquiries should be made through the Director of Operations Laura Parsons at 423-439-6788 or parsonsl@etsu.edu.

For the Autopsy Report Request Form, email Laura Parsons.

The current fee schedule for all private autopsy cases, including pneumoconiosis “black lung” consultation.

NOTE: Clients are responsible for the cost of decedent transport to and from the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center. Please contact Laura Parsons for additional information and logistical coordination.

Private Autopsy Fee Schedule

All private autopsies will be accepted and classified into the following categories at the discretion of the Foresnsic Pathologists.

  • Standard autopsy - $4,000

    Postmortem evaluation for general disease processes (coronary artery disease, hypertensive and
    cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchopneumonia, etc.)

    Includes the following:

    • External examination
    • Gross internal examination
    • Microscopic examination with hematoxylin & eosin staining as needed
    • Special stains as needed (Gram, GMS, Iron)
    • Written autopsy report and photographs

    Does not include the following:

    • Formal neuropathology evaluation (see Neuropathology Consultation)
    • Immunohistochemistry (advanced staining for cancer or other complex disease)
    • Toxicology analysis
  • Complicated autopsy - $5,000

    Postmortem evaluation for complex disease processes and situations such as:

    • Locally advanced and metastatic cancer
    • Infectious disease requiring special precautions (tuberculosis, meningitis, SARS-CoV-2, etc.)
    • Other disease processes not routinely encountered by the Forensic Pathologists
    • Decomposed, morbidly obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2) embalmed, or exhumed bodies

    Includes the following:

    • External examination
    • Gross internal examination
    • Microscopic examination with hematoxylin & eosin staining
    • Special stains as needed (Gram, GMS, Iron)
    • Immunohistochemical staining as needed
    • Written autopsy report and photographs

    Does not include the following:

    • Formal neuropathology evaluation (see Neuropathology Consultation)
    • Toxicology analysis

    Toxicology analysis

    Toxicology analysis and interpretation can be added to the standard or complicated autopsy for
    additional fees as follows:

    • Basic toxicology analysis - $250
    • Expanded toxicology analysis - $500
    • Special toxicology analysis for substances not included in the basic or expanded toxicology testing panels (heavy metals, novel psychoactive substances, etc.) - $750
  • Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (‘Black Lung’) Evaluation - $2,000

    Limited postmortem evaluation of the lower respiratory tract and lungs. Includes gross examination, microscopic examination, written report, and photographs. Please note that this evaluation does not guarantee a final diagnosis of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (‘black lung’).

  • Neuropathology Examinations

    Disease processes restricted to the central nervous system (congenital cerebral abnormalities, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative disease, etc.) may warrant a formal neuropathology examination instead of a basic or complicated autopsy. Should this be the case, the Forensic Pathologists will refer clients to the Forensic Neuropathologist for a consultation.