PURPOSE OF AN AUTOPSY

Autopsy is the only way to confirm CJD. Autopsy provides answers. Answers help in the grief process.

There are different types of CJD, which can be discovered only through an autopsy. Autopsy results can tell whether or not your loved one’s form of CJD was genetic. All tissue is treated with great respect and kept permanently to be used for CJD research.

CJD tissue is rare and greatly needed to advance science.

Autopsy results help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention track the types and demographics of patients with CJD in the U.S.

TYPE OF AUTOPSY

The only autopsy needed is of the brain itself.

MYTHS ABOUT AUTOPSY

MYTH:  There can be no viewing at the funeral home.

TRUTH:  Viewing of the body is possible if that is your desire.  In a correctly performed autopsy there should be no sign that an autopsy has taken place.

MYTH:  Embalming is not possible after an autopsy.

TRUTH:  Embalming is possible.  In some states it is even required unless there are religious reasons not to embalm.

MYTH:  The funeral will be delayed by days.

TRUTH:  The funeral need not be delayed at all in most situations. If there is a need for extra time, it is usually only a delay of one day. This is VERY rare.

IF YOU ENCOUNTER RESISTANCE

If you wish to discuss the possibility of an autopsy but your doctor or funeral director is resistant, please call us or the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center (NPDPSC)immediately, 1-216-368-0587. There is a national pathology network working with the NPDPSC and autopsies are performed within a matter of hours. Memorial arrangements need not be affected.

THIS SERVICE IS FREE TO FAMILIES

Through the NPDPSC and the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this service is provided free to families.

This free service is offered to any suspected or confirmed CJD case in the United States.

The director of the NPDPSC is Pierluigi Gambetti, M.D. one of the world’s premiere prion disease researchers.

RESULTS OF AN AUTOPSY

If you are like most people, you will want the results immediately. Realistically, these tests take weeks to complete. A report of the autopsy results will be sent to your physician in approximately 5 - 6 weeks. DNA results take longer, usually 10 - 12 weeks.

We recommend that you review the report with your physician. If you have further questions, please call the CJD Foundation and we will help find the answers for you.