The private autopsy program.
NAAG does not perform a lesser autopsy for a lesser fee. Every private autopsy is performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist to the same standard, with the same photographic documentation. What differs is the report that follows and what is included.
Medically reviewed by Evan W. Matshes, MD, FRCPC, D-ABP, Medical Director and Chief Forensic Pathologist · Updated
Autopsy services
- 01
Non-invasive autopsy
A full external examination with photographic documentation, postmortem CT imaging and specimen collection for laboratory testing. No incision is made. A one-to-two-page narrative report written for the family.
- 02
Private autopsy
A complete autopsy with postmortem CT imaging, photographic documentation and every laboratory test the case pathologist considers necessary. A narrative report written for the family.
- 03
First (forensic) autopsy
For families who already know the death will be the subject of a legal claim. A complete autopsy with litigation-grade toxicology and a comprehensive report prepared to litigation standard from the outset. Transport included.
- 04
Second autopsy
A full re-examination after an autopsy performed elsewhere, with a comprehensive litigation-standard report and litigation-grade toxicology. Transport included.
- 05
Exhumation with second autopsy
The second autopsy, together with every arrangement for disinterment and reinterment of the remains.
- 06
Apex Autopsy Service
NAAG’s highest level of private autopsy. The examination within 24 hours of authorization, every test and the report complete within five calendar days, and top-priority, ultra-secure handling of the case and every document it produces.
Brain-only examinations
- 07
Gross examination
Examination and description of the brain by a forensic pathologist.
- 08
Neuropathologist evaluation
Formal evaluation by a neuropathologist, including microscopic examination.
- 09
Dementia protocol
The full neuropathology protocol for neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
- 10
Dementia protocol with family genetics
The dementia protocol together with genetic testing of the decedent and one sibling.
Consultation and additions
- 11
Case review without autopsy
Review of the available records and evidence, with verbal opinions. A written expert report is available afterwards.
- 12
Toxicology
Litigation-grade toxicology is included in the first autopsy, second autopsy, exhumation and Apex services, and can be added to every other examination. We never perform toxicology on its own: a result read without autopsy findings can badly mislead a family.
- 13
Litigation report and evidence package
If a death later becomes a legal matter: the exhibits, photographic and imaging documentation, specimen inventory, formal opinion work and testimony preparation that litigation requires. An attorney must be retained first.
- 14
Transport of your loved one
Included in the first autopsy, second autopsy, exhumation and Apex services. Otherwise, your funeral home may bring your loved one to us, or we will: within 180 miles of either facility, by our own staff in our own vehicles; beyond that, by a licensed service, quoted before anything is booked.
What every family can count on.
- Only in a medical facility. NAAG performs autopsies at its Fresno and San Diego facilities, never on a funeral home table.
- No partial autopsies. Other than brain-only examinations, an examination limited to one region cannot exclude a cause of death elsewhere.
- A death investigator for your family. One person gathers what we need, liaises with the forensic pathologist, and is there for you throughout.
- Nothing is held back. Tissue, imaging, photographs and specimens are retained under our standard policy, so every future option stays open.
- Quoted before any work begins. Flat rates, no hourly billing, and no invoice you were not told about in advance. Payment plans are available.
- Honesty about what we can promise. We cannot promise what an examination will find. We promise to look carefully and to tell you honestly what the evidence does and does not show.
Fee schedules on request
We provide current fee schedules directly, so that you receive the one that governs your matter. Every service is quoted in writing before work begins.
Private Autopsy: the 2026–2027 guide
A guide for families and next of kin. A complete printable guide to these services.
Start with a conversation.
Tell us who you are and, in general terms, what you need. The right member of our team will respond.
San Diego, CA 92121
Please don't email case records or images. The case request form collects what we need to open your matter; we'll arrange secure transfer of records after that.