health
May 6, 2026
What happens to a body after death? This is the medical and forensic journey few know about
In Colombia, death initiates a series of carefully regulated clinical, sanitary, and forensic procedures.
TL;DR
- Colombia has regulated clinical, sanitary, and forensic procedures for deceased individuals.
- Medical professionals certify death, noting the probable cause and determining if further investigation is required.
- Post-mortem, the body undergoes natural decomposition, necessitating strict biosecurity measures to prevent contamination.
- Necropsy (autopsy) is performed when the cause of death is unclear or has legal implications.
- Necropsy involves external examination, internal organ analysis, and sample collection for toxicological and microbiological studies.
- After examination, the body is reconstructed, cleaned, and prepared for delivery to families or funeral homes.
- Final disposition options in Colombia include inhumation (burial) and cremation.