It is not a good plan to write up the protocol after the autopsy has been finished. It should be dictated during the progress of the autopsy. Only in this way can an accurate and purely objective description be obtained. The use of simple, terse English and the proper employment of autopsy terminology are also chief factors in the production of a good protocol.
The importance of following a definitely-outlined routine of procedure is very evident in the case of protocol-making. The general order of the autopsy should be followed strictly in the protocol; and all deviations from the usual method noted and described. Aside from this general order, each organ or part as it is examined should be systematically described according to the following scheme:
1. Location and relation to other parts.
2. Size and weight.
3. Shape. (Contour, lobes, edges, borders, character of surface, etc.)
4. Color.
5. Consistence.
6. Odor.
7. Cut surface.
8. Blood-content.