Forensic neuropathology.
Directed by Dr. Deirdre Amaro, Chief Forensic Neuropathologist. Every full examination covers the brain, dura and spinal cord when submitted, gross photography, and every histology slide, special stain and immunostain the neuropathologist considers necessary.
Medically reviewed by Evan W. Matshes, MD, FRCPC, D-ABP, Medical Director and Chief Forensic Pathologist · Updated
Two levels, chosen by you.
A written list of the gross and microscopic neuropathologic findings, without interpretation.
The findings, a case summary, and the neuropathologist’s interpretation and opinion, informed by the autopsy photographs, history, medical records and imaging.
Start at the first level and upgrade within 30 days; you pay only the difference.
Examinations
- 01
Gross only
Gross examination and photography, with a written list of gross findings. Upgradeable to any full examination within 30 days.
- 02
SUID / SUDC
Full examination of the brain in sudden unexpected infant death and sudden unexplained death in childhood, funded by an internal NAAG Forensic grant.
- 03
Pediatric: standard
Full examination with histology, special stains and immunostains, for decedents under 18.
- 04
Pediatric: complex
Extended sampling for suspected criminal trauma, including whole-mount sections, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and iron studies.
- 05
Pediatric cervical spine
Examination of the submitted cervical spine, with decalcified sections and histology.
- 06
Adult: standard
Full examination with histology, special stains and immunostains.
- 07
Adult: complex
Extended sampling for suspected criminal trauma, including whole-mount sections and APP studies.
- 08
Neurodegenerative, including CTE
Consensus-criteria sampling and the immunostain panel required for diagnosis and staging: β-amyloid, phospho-tau, α-synuclein, TDP-43 and others as indicated.
- 09
Adult cervical spine
Examination of the submitted cervical spine, with decalcified sections and histology.
- 10
Forensic ophthalmology
Formalin-fixed pediatric eyes, submitted as a pair: dissection, professional photography, histology, interpretation and a written report.
- 11
Second-opinion case review
Review of an existing case from the reports, photographs and slides you submit, with a written consultation report. Criminal and non-criminal.
Our promises.
- One case fee. No separate charge for histology, stains, immunostains, photography, or recuts our own quality control requires.
- Report within 60 days of accession, guaranteed.
- Storage at no fee for tissue, blocks and original slides, under our retention policies.
- Digital slides for every case, at no charge.
- Not accepted: known or suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob or other prion disease, which belongs with the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center.
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.
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For sheriff-coroners, medical examiners and law enforcement. 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.