Private Autopsy


F. Eddie Pippen, PA (ASCP), F-ABMDI
Director of Autopsy Services

An autopsy is a thorough external and internal postmortem examination to determine the cause of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present for personal, medical, or familial purposes.

Preliminary findings are reported to the family the same day as the autopsy. The final report is completed 15-60 days following the autopsy (time is dependent on complexity of the case).

Toxicology

Piedmont Pathology is partnered with a nationally accredited testing laboratory, offering an integrated portfolio of forensic testing. Their assays will determine the presence and amounts of medication, drugs of abuse, alcohols and other potential poisonous agents. Results of this testing is typically complete in 4-6 weeks.



Recovery Of Brain For Neuropathological Examination

Evaluation and diagnosing neurological disorders (Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, etc.) is available.



Evaluation Of Lungs For Asbestos And/Or Coal Miner's Lung Disease

Evaluation of lungs for occupational pleuropulmonary asbestosis and/or pulmonary coal contamination.



About Us

Piedmont Pathology is a full service autopsy practice based in Hickory, NC. Our practice was founded in 1967 and has been providing autopsy services privately and for the North Carolina State Medical Examiner System for over 55 years.

F. Eddie Pippen, PA (ASCP), F-ABMDI
Director of Autopsy Services

Eddie has been with Piedmont Pathology since 2001 and has 20+ years of experience handling private and State Medical Examiner autopsy cases.