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NAAG Forensic / Private autopsy / Virtual autopsy
New · Beginning January 1, 2027

Answers, without an incision.

The NAAG virtual autopsy combines a forensic pathologist’s complete external examination, postmortem CT imaging and laboratory testing, with no incision. For families who want to know what happened, and cannot accept an invasive examination.

Medically reviewed by Evan W. Matshes, MD, FRCPC, D-ABP, Medical Director and Chief Forensic Pathologist · Updated

Call 1-800-985-5346 All private autopsy options
What it includes

A physician’s examination, a scan, a laboratory.

  • Complete external examination by a board-certified forensic pathologist, with full photographic documentation.
  • Postmortem CT imaging of the whole body at our Fresno facility, read by the pathologist alongside the examination.
  • Specimen collection for laboratory testing the case calls for. Toxicology can be added.
  • A report for the family of one to two pages, in plain language: what was found, what it means, and what caused the death where that can be determined.
  • A flat fee quoted in full before any work begins, with payment plans available.
What CT shows

What a scan can find, and what it can’t.

Shown well

Fractures, including subtle ones; bleeding in and around the brain and body cavities; air or gas where it should not be; medical devices and their position; retained projectiles and foreign objects.

Not always shown

Heart rhythm disturbances, many infections, poisoning and some natural diseases leave little or nothing for a scan to see. Some need the microscope, toxicology or a complete autopsy.

Our honest advice

Before you choose, the pathologist will tell you whether a virtual autopsy is likely to answer your question, or whether a complete autopsy is the honest answer.

Faith and family

Many families decline an invasive autopsy for religious or deeply personal reasons. The virtual autopsy exists so they do not have to choose between their beliefs and the truth.

Questions

About the virtual autopsy.

What is a virtual autopsy?
A non-invasive postmortem examination. A forensic pathologist performs a complete external examination with photography, the body is examined by postmortem CT, and specimens are collected for laboratory testing. No incision is made.
When is it available?
From January 1, 2027, at our Fresno facility. It is not offered or scheduled before that date, because CT imaging is what the service is.
Who is it for?
Families who want answers but cannot accept an invasive examination, often for religious reasons, and sometimes because they simply could not bear the alternative.
Can a scan answer everything an autopsy can?
No. CT is excellent at showing fractures, bleeding, gas, devices and retained projectiles, but some causes of death can only be found by a complete autopsy and the microscope. Before you decide, the pathologist will tell you honestly whether a virtual autopsy is likely to answer your question.
Is toxicology included?
Toxicology is not included, but it can be added to the examination. We never perform toxicology on its own, because a result read without examination findings can mislead a family.
Can it be upgraded later?
If the virtual autopsy leaves the question open, a complete autopsy may still be possible, provided your loved one has not been embalmed or cremated. Ask us before you make funeral arrangements.
Further readingAll guides →
GuidePrivate autopsy: a guide for families.How a private autopsy works: when to request one, who can authorize it, why timing matters, what you receive, and how to choose a qualified forensic pathologist.GuideThe first 24 hours after an unexpected death: what families should know.What happens after an unexpected death, who takes charge of your loved one, what to ask the coroner, and how to keep the option of a private autopsy open.
Contact

Start with a conversation.

Tell us who you are and, in general terms, what you need. The right member of our team will respond.

Submit a case Contact NAAG
Phone1-800-985-5346
Emailconsult@naagforensic.com
Office6335 Ferris Square, Suite C
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.