Autopsy vs. Biopsy: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An autopsy is a thorough examination of a body after death to determine cause of death, while a biopsy involves removing tissue from a living body for diagnosis.
Key Differences
An autopsy is a post-mortem examination performed to determine the cause of death, typically involving a thorough analysis of the entire body. In contrast, a biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
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Nov 21, 2023
Autopsies are used to understand both the immediate cause of death and underlying health conditions. Biopsies, however, are used to diagnose or rule out certain conditions, such as cancer, by examining tissue or cell samples under a microscope.
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During an autopsy, various organs and systems of the body are examined, and samples may be taken for further analysis. Biopsy procedures vary in invasiveness, from needle biopsies, which are relatively simple, to surgical biopsies, which are more complex.
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Autopsies can provide valuable insights for medical research and public health, contributing to a better understanding of diseases. Biopsies are crucial in clinical settings for providing accurate diagnoses and guiding treatment plans.
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While autopsies are generally conducted after death, biopsies are performed on living patients, often as part of routine medical care when a disease is suspected.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Determine cause of death, examine disease
Diagnose or investigate diseases in living patients
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Procedure
Examination of entire body, internal and external
Removal of tissue sample for testing
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Invasiveness
Inherently invasive
Varies from minimally to moderately invasive
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Use in Medicine
Forensic investigation, medical research
Diagnosis, treatment planning
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Results Usage
Determining cause of death, contributing to research
Diagnosing diseases, guiding treatment options
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Autopsy and Biopsy Definitions
Autopsy
A post-mortem procedure to study disease effects on a body.
The autopsy showed advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.
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Biopsy
A procedure to determine the presence or extent of a disease.
The skin biopsy revealed the early stages of melanoma.
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Autopsy
A systematic investigation of a corpse to find the cause and manner of death.
The autopsy confirmed the presence of toxic substances in the body.
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Biopsy
A medical test involving the extraction of tissue samples for diagnosis.
The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Autopsy
A medical examination of a dead body to identify any pathologies.
The doctor performed an autopsy to understand the unexpected death.
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Biopsy
Sampling of a tissue from a living body for medical analysis.
A bone marrow biopsy was conducted to diagnose leukemia.
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Autopsy
Examination of a cadaver to determine or confirm the cause of death. Also called necropsy, postmortem, postmortem examination.
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Biopsy
Extraction of a small amount of tissue for diagnostic purposes.
The doctor recommended a biopsy to investigate the abnormal growth.
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Autopsy
A critical assessment or examination after the fact
A post-election campaign autopsy.
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Biopsy
Removal of cells or tissues for examination under a microscope.
A liver biopsy was performed to check for signs of liver disease.
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Biopsy
The removal and examination of a sample of tissue from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
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Autopsy
A dissection performed on a cadaver to find possible cause(s) of death.
The autopsy revealed he had died of multiple bullet wounds.
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Autopsy
An after-the-fact examination, especially of the causes of a failure.
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Autopsy
(rare) An eyewitness observation, the presentation of an event as witnessed.
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Biopsy
The removal and examination of a sample of tissue, cells, or bodily fluid from a living body for diagnostic purposes.
We will need to perform a biopsy to determine whether the tumour is malignant or benign.
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Biopsy
To take a sample (a biopsy) for pathological examination.
They biopsied the lump but it turned out to be non-cancerous.
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Autopsy
(transitive) To perform an after-the-fact analysis of, especially of a failure.
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Biopsy
Examination of tissues or liquids from the living body to determine the existence or cause of a disease
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Autopsy
Personal observation or examination; seeing with one's own eyes; ocular view.
By autopsy and experiment.
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Autopsy
Dissection of a dead body, for the purpose of ascertaining the cause, seat, or nature of a disease; a post-mortem examination.
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Autopsy
An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
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Autopsy
A thorough examination of a deceased body to determine the cause of death.
The autopsy revealed that the cause of death was heart failure.
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Autopsy
An extensive analysis of a body after death for forensic purposes.
The autopsy was crucial in solving the criminal investigation.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is an autopsy only for legal cases?
It's used in legal cases and for medical research.
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Can biopsies be performed on all body tissues?
Yes, but the method depends on the tissue's location and condition.
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When is an autopsy performed?
Typically after a person's death, especially if the cause is unknown.
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What's the difference in invasiveness between autopsy and biopsy?
Autopsies are inherently invasive; biopsies range from minimally to moderately invasive.
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What is an autopsy?
An examination of a deceased body to determine the cause of death.
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What is a biopsy?
A procedure to remove tissue from a living body for diagnostic testing.
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Can autopsy results be used for treatment?
They can inform future medical treatments but not for the individual examined.
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Are biopsies painful?
Some discomfort is possible, but they're generally not very painful.
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What can a biopsy detect?
Conditions like cancer, infections, or inflammatory diseases.
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What's the difference in preparation for autopsy and biopsy?
Autopsy requires no preparation; biopsy may require fasting or avoiding certain medications.
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Can biopsies spread cancer?
This is a rare concern and precautions are taken to minimize risks.
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Can a biopsy lead to a misdiagnosis?
Rarely, but accurate sampling and interpretation are crucial.
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Are autopsies always required by law?
Not always, it depends on the circumstances of the death.
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How long does a biopsy procedure take?
It varies, but many biopsies are relatively quick, often under an hour.
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How long does it take to get autopsy results?
It varies, from a few days to several weeks.
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Do autopsies always determine the cause of death?
Most times, but occasionally the cause remains undetermined.
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Are there risks associated with biopsies?
Minimal, but there's a small risk of bleeding or infection.
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Is consent needed for autopsy and biopsy?
Biopsy always requires consent; autopsy consent depends on legal and ethical guidelines.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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