Autopsies typically take two to four hours to complete. Although preliminary findings can be available within 24 hours, comprehensive autopsy results can take up to six weeks to prepare. During an autopsy, the pathologist examines and analyzes the cause of death and makes a diagnosis. The pathologist also collects evidence that may help identify who might have caused or contributed to the death. The pathologist's report describes the cause of death and any significant findings during the examination of the body. The pathologist may suggest further testing or examinations to determine more precisely how the death occurred. The process of examining the body after death to determine the cause of death is called an autopsy. The word "autopsy" comes from the Greek words ous (out) and graphein (to write). Thus, an autopsy is a written description of the internal organs of the deceased person. An autopsy provides information about the manner of death (i.e., natural, homicide, suicide, etc.) as well as its underlying cause. The pathologist may also find clues that may help identify or rule out certain diseases or conditions that could have contributed to or caused the death.