How to refer for autopsy

Referring a baby for autopsy can be a complex task, especially in the context of caring for a bereaved family.

The Victorian Perinatal Autopsy Service (VPAS) will assist you with information that you may need, and help organise the autopsy.  

Steps to take - referring an autopsy

Step 1

Ring the VPAS Perinatal Autopsy Coordinator for assistance with autopsy enquiries or to initiate the referral of a baby for perinatal autopsy. Phone number: 1800 841 024.

We will: 

  • provide you with support in discussing autopsy with families 
  • assist you with completing the paperwork and collating the clinical information 
  • assist you in preparing the baby, placenta and paperwork for transfer to the VPAS pathology laboratory 
  • organise transportation of the baby to autopsy 
  • be a point of contact for families during the transportation and autopsy process and ensure reports are available for follow-up appointments.  

Step 2

Refer to the checklist on page 10 of the Combined VPAS document pack (PDF, 469Kb). Complete each step in the checklist.

Step 3

Send the VPAS Perinatal Autopsy Coordinator the completed paperwork via:

  • Secure email link provided by the VPAS Perinatal Autopsy Coordinator.
Death certificate - how to complete

The Medical Certificate of Cause of Perinatal Death (MCCPD), also known as the death certificate, is a critical document, for

  • the autopsy, and
  • the process of the baby receiving a funeral and being buried or cremated. 

Please ensure:

  • You are completing the MCCPD and not an adult death certificate. 

  • That this isn’t a referral for the Coroner. VPAS autopsies are different to coronial autopsies. If this baby’s death is not being investigated by the Coroner, this question needs to be answered with NO 

  • You have checked the spelling of names, that the identification details are correct and that they match the identifiers on the consent form that accompanies the baby. 

  • Check the place of death is correct. Sometimes the doctor still has their log in from their previous hospital location, which is then auto-populated in the form. 

  • Cause of death must be listed. 

  • If the baby is coming for a post-mortem of any kind (full, limited or external), than answer ‘yes’ a PM is being performed. 

  • You have entered the correct hospital name, which is the one that is referring the baby for autopsy. 

  • The doctor completing the death certificate has their AHPRA number documented and must use their organisational email. 

  • The declaration page has been completed and included in the printout that is sent to the lab (which will also be used by the funeral provider following the post- mortem) 

Consent for perinatal post-mortem discussion
  • The Consent for perinatal post-mortem examination form (PDF, 102Kb) must be given to families during a conversation with a senior clinician. The family need to have the options and processes explained to them. They need time to consider their decision and ask questions.
  • The family should be given written information about autopsy. Please provide the family with these documents: Deciding if your baby should have a post-mortem examination (English) (PDF, 185Kb) and Your baby's post-mortem examination (English) (PDF, 150Kb).
  • To download those two documents in languages other than English, visit VPAS forms.
  • An interpreter should be used, if needed.
  • If you require further support to ensure you have what you need to undertake this important conversation, please call VPAS on 1800 841 024.
  • You can also watch the below video we have created to assist you in preparing for this conversation: 
Identification of the baby and placenta for coming to autopsy

Date reviewed: 27 November 2024

Date reviewed: 27 November 2024