Consented, voluntary or medical interest post mortems are all different names given to a post mortem examination carried out with the consent of the family.
The techniques used are identical to a coroner's post mortem but this examination is carried out when a doctor knows the cause of death. Therefore s/he can issue a Medical Certificate but feels that it would be helpful to learn more about the condition from which the person died and the effects of any treatment given. The doctor must ask the next of kin for signed permission to carry out this type of post mortem unless the deceased had already given their signed permission during their life.
It is possible for the deceased to have given consent for a post mortem to be carried out during their lifetime. This consent is binding in law but in practice doctors will discuss this with the family or executor before going ahead to avoid causing additional distress.