A Post Mortem Needle is a heavy-duty, large, stainless-steel needle used in autopsy procedures for suturing thick tissues, closing incisions, and securing cavities after examination. Its strong, durable structure and curved or straight design allow it to penetrate dense skin, muscle, and fascia with ease. This needle is essential in human forensic pathology and veterinary post-mortem examinations.

•  Material: High-grade stainless steel

•  Design: Thick, rigid body with sharp cutting or triangular tip

•  Shape: Curved or straight

•  Length: Typically 8–15 cm

•  Diameter: Thick gauge suitable for tough tissues

•  Tip Style: Cutting, round-bodied, or triangular

•  Usage Type: Reusable (metal type) or disposable (rare)

•  Strength: High resistance to bending and breakage

•  8 cm

•  10 cm

•  12 cm

•  15 cm

(Various lengths & gauges depending on manufacturer)

•  Curved post mortem needle

•  Straight post mortem needle

•  Triangular cutting needle

•  Round body heavy suture needle

•  Semi-curved variants

•  Stainless Steel SS 410 (hardened cutting edge)

•  Stainless Steel SS 304

•  Stainless Steel SS 316 (surgical-grade)

•  Forensic & Autopsy Instruments

• Heavy-Duty Suturing Tools

•  Veterinary Post-Mortem Equipment

•  Solid stainless-steel needle

•  Designed for heavy suturing and cavity closure

•  Reusable (metal type), non-sterile when supplied

Human Application:

•  Forensic autopsy suturing

•  Closing skin, muscle, and fascia after post-mortem

•  Securing thoracic and abdominal incisions

•  Handling tough tissues where regular needles fail

Veterinary Application:

•  Post-mortem examinations in large and small animals

•  Suturing thick hide and muscle after necropsy

•  Closing incisions in cattle, buffalo, equines, pigs, etc.

•  Extremely strong and durable

•  Penetrates thick and tough tissues easily

•  Resistant to bending and breakage

•  Reusable and autoclavable

•  Available in multiple shapes and lengths

•  Ideal for human and veterinary post mortems

•  Not suitable for delicate surgical procedures

•  Sharp and thick → risk of accidental injury

•  Curved needles require skill to handle properly

•  Requires strong sutures (hemp, nylon, polyester)

•  Handle carefully — very sharp and heavy

•  Use needle holders for safe suturing

• Do not attempt fine suturing with this needle

•  Sterilise before use if required

•  Store in needle protectors or enclosed trays

•  Hold securely with a needle holder or forceps

•  Insert using controlled, firm movements

•  Use thick sutures compatible with heavy tissue

• Avoid twisting motions to prevent bending

•  Clean immediately after use to prevent residue drying

•  Fully autoclavable

•  Can be disinfected using chemical solutions

•  Dry completely to avoid corrosion spots

•  Avoid abrasive polishing that might dull the cutting edge

HS Code: 9018 – Instruments and appliances used for surgical and veterinary sciences.

HSN CODE (India)

HSN Code: 9018.32 – Needles used in medical or veterinary applications.

1. What is a Post Mortem Needle used for?

It is used to suture thick tissues during autopsies or necropsies.

2. Is it reusable?

Yes, stainless-steel post mortem needles are reusable and autoclavable.

3. What shape is most common?

Curved heavy-duty needles are most commonly used.

4. Can it be used on live animals or patients?

No, it is designed exclusively for post-mortem use due to its thickness.

5. What type of sutures are used with it?

Thick threads like nylon, polyester, or hemp sutures are commonly used.