Post Mortem Explained: Purpose, Process & Timelines

When someone dies unexpectedly, a post mortem, sometimes called an autopsy, may be carried out. This is a medical examination that takes place after death. For many families, the thought of it can raise questions: How long will it take? Will it delay the funeral? When will we know the results?

This guide explains the process in a calm, straightforward way. We’ll cover what happens during a post mortem, who is involved, and how it may affect your funeral arrangements, including things like funeral plans and direct cremation. Our aim is to help you understand each step so you can make decisions with confidence, even in a difficult time.

Key takeaways: 

• A post mortem may be needed to confirm the cause of death and is carried out by a pathologist, usually under the instruction of a coroner (known as procurator fiscal in Scotland).
• The examination can take between two to four hours, but legal steps or tests can extend the process.
• A funeral can only happen once the post-mortem is complete and the coroner is satisfied with their findings, which may take days or longer in complex cases.
• A preliminary cause of death is often given within days; final results can take weeks or months.
• Staying in touch with your funeral director and appointing one family contact can help avoid delays.

What is a post mortem and why is it performed?

A post mortem is a careful medical examination of a person after death. It is carried out by a specialist doctor called a pathologist, usually under the instruction of a coroner (in England and Wales) or a procurator fiscal (in Scotland).

Its main purposes are:

• Determining the cause of death, especially where it’s unclear or unexpected.
• Supporting legal investigations, in cases of sudden, suspicious, or unexplained deaths.
• Providing medical insight, helping doctors understand disease and contributing to public health information.

In England and Wales, a coroner may order a post mortem if the cause of death cannot be confirmed from medical records alone. In Scotland, this role is fulfilled by a procurator fiscal. In some situations, families themselves may request a post mortem for personal, medical, or cultural reasons.

If someone dies in hospital, the medical team will explain if a post mortem might be needed, and why.

How long does a post mortem take?

Standard timeframe and procedure

The physical examination itself often takes two to four hours. However, the post mortem process can take a little more time to ensure the examiner has all the information they need to complete their investigation accurately and efficiently. 

A typical post mortem involves:

• Reviewing medical records and any information from the place of death.
• Performing an external examination.
• Conducting an internal examination, which may include taking small tissue or fluid samples.
• Recording findings and securing samples for further analysis if needed.

The preparation before, and the steps after, can add to the total timeframe, however the office of the coroner or procurator fiscal will usually keep the next of kin informed throughout the process.

Factors that affect the duration

Some situations can make a post mortem take longer:

• Complex cases – Multiple injuries or advanced illness can require extra time.
• Forensic requirements – In criminal cases, evidence must be handled under strict legal rules.
• Additional testing – Toxicology or tissue (histology) testing can take days or weeks.
• Regional protocols – Different parts of the UK have their own legal processes.

Impact on funeral arrangements

Does a post mortem delay the funeral?

If a post mortem is required, the funeral cannot take place until it has been completed and the examiner is satisfied with the outcome of their investigation. If an examiner draws a conclusion on the cause of death, they will complete the necessary paperwork and the funeral can take place.

If the examiner feels an inquest is necessary, they will authorise an interim death certificate to enable the family to make the funeral arrangements without further delay

The examiner’s office will always aim to keep the next of kin informed as much as possible

How long after a post mortem can a funeral be held?

Once the examination is complete and the body is released, a funeral can take place as soon as the family is ready.

The timing will depend on:

• The family’s chosen arrangements, for example, whether it’s a traditional funeral, a direct cremation, or another type of service.
• The funeral director’s availability.
• The time needed to prepare the venue, transport, and service details.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to arrange a funeral, the answer can vary, but your funeral director will guide you through each step. At Aura, we liaise directly with coroners and pathologists to keep plans moving as smoothly as possible.

When are autopsy reports available?

Preliminary vs final findings

A preliminary report, which gives the basic cause of death, is often available within a few days. This can help families start making arrangements with more clarity and certainty.

The final report, especially if laboratory tests are needed, can take several weeks or months. This extra time ensures:

• Careful review of all test results.
• Checks against any legal or investigative needs.
• Conclusions are thorough and accurate.

Why might results be delayed?

Delays can happen due to:

• Ongoing police or legal investigations.
• Backlogs at specialist laboratories.
• The need for expert opinion on unusual findings.

We understand that waiting for answers at such a difficult time can be very difficult. At Aura, we always aim to give regular updates and realistic timeframes, so you always know what to expect.

Who is involved in the post mortem process?

The process may involve:

• Coroner or Procurator Fiscal – Authorises the examination and sets legal requirements.
• Pathologist – Carries out the post mortem and writes the report.
• Funeral Director – Arranges collection of the person who has died once the post mortem is complete, and coordinates the funeral.
• Police or Legal Authorities – Involved if there’s a criminal investigation.

Good communication between those involved can help to reduce delays and provide better care for the family.

Regional and legal variations in post mortem duration

• England & Wales – Managed by coroners; results may be quicker if the case is straightforward.
• Scotland – Overseen by the procurator fiscal; some cases require specialist forensic work.
• Northern Ireland – Managed by the Coroner’s Service, with slightly different procedures.

Public health issues (such as suspected infectious disease) or criminal cases – whilst these are rare – can extend the timeline considerably.

Considerations for families and legal representatives

There are some practical steps you can take:

• Ask early about expected timeframes.
• Appoint one family contact. This helps avoid crossed wires with officials.
• Stay in touch with your funeral director. This can coordinate with coroners and hospitals.
• Inform insurance or legal representatives quickly. Some will need certificates or reports before releasing funds.

If you’re wondering how the body is prepared for cremation, your funeral director can explain this in a gentle, clear way, so you know what’s involved.

Aura is here

If a post mortem is needed, it can feel like one more worry at an already difficult time. At Aura, we’ll guide you through each step with care, giving clear updates and speaking to coroners, hospitals, and pathologists on your behalf.

Whether you have a funeral plan in place or are arranging something new, we’ll help you choose the right time for the service and explain what to expect, including the cremation process.

For advice on what to do when someone dies or how long it might take to arrange a funeral, our team is here to help at any time.