Biosafety considerations in the autopsy of positive COVID-19 cases

Authors

Keywords:

COVID-19, autopsia, bioseguridad, infeccioso.

Abstract

Background: the autopsy will allow elucidating the pathogenesis and the clinical-pathological correlation of the infection by SARS-Cov-2, although its performance presents risks of contagion, these can be minimized by applying bio-safety measures recommended by institutions with great experience in the management infectious diseases.
Objective: to contribute to the organization of the evidence on the performance of autopsies of COVID-19 cases under optimal levels of bio-safety.
Methods: a MEDLINE / PUBMED search was performed, using the words: COVID-19, SARS-Cov-2, autopsy and bio-safety. Guidelines and resolutions from institutions, series and case presentations were included with a description of the autopsy procedures. The eligibility criteria were: country, number of autopsies performed, type of autopsy (complete or minimally invasive), description of personal bio-safety measures, and characteristics of the physical space of the morgue.
Results: 27 articles were obtained that describe the procedures, equipment used and infrastructure conditions to guarantee bio-security. Of these, 13 describe the autopsy in a room with negative pressure, and 11 describe the technique and bio-safety measures to be used, using personal protective equipment. A total of four normative documents or official recommendations were found on the procedures to follow to carry out the autopsy with the minimum of risks. In addition to 2 articles that summarize these regulations.
Conclusions: post-mortem examinations of COVID-19 cases can be performed safely with the application of appropriate personal protective equipment.

DeCS: CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS; AUTOPSY; CONTAINMENT OF BIOHAZARDS; SYSTEMATIC REVIEW; PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

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References

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2021-09-25

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1.
Piamo-Morales AJ, Ferrer-Marrero D. Biosafety considerations in the autopsy of positive COVID-19 cases. Arch méd Camagüey [Internet]. 2021 Sep. 25 [cited 2025 Jul. 15];25(5):791-806. Available from: https://revistaamc.sld.cu/index.php/amc/article/view/8069

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Vol. 25 No. 5 (2021)

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Review Articles

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