When a death occurs and the circumstances surrounding the death are suspicious or unclear a forensic autopsy will generally be performed at the Kendall County Morgue to establish the exact cause of death.  The procedure includes a detailed external examination of the body, including clothing, if available. Following the external examination, the body is opened and various bodily fluids are taken for testing for the presence of drugs or toxins. Finally, an internal examination is performed where the organs are removed and examined. Tissues may be taken for further study based on the results of this procedure. All autopsies in Kendall County are performed by physicians who are board-certified in Forensic Pathology.

At the discretion of the Coroner and/or Pathologist supplementary testing such as toxicology, histology, radiology, etc. may be performed to aid in determining the cause of death.