Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) is an innovative post-mortem examination approach for understanding the causes of death by providing improved health data. Read more
MITS is a relatively simple autopsy approach that can provide additional information to determine a more accurate and specific cause of death than might otherwise be available. Read more
With more accurate data on mortality causes, governments and health institutions can better plan and prioritize their efforts—ultimately saving lives around the world. Read more
- Performed by a pathologist, the more traditional complete diagnostic autopsy has historically been the gold standard to investigate cause of death. The procedure relies on invasive procedures to obtain organs and tissue samples for pathological analysis.
- A verbal autopsy uses the analysis of signs, symptoms and demographics derived from structured interviews by a trained interviewer of family, friends, and caretakers to determine cause of death.
- MITS is less-invasive and uses fine-needle biopsy to collect small amounts of tissue and fluid from key organs.
Evidence in action in which the results from MITS-inform cause of death research are being used to develop, implement interventions, or inform policy addressing public health challenges therefore reducing preventable mortality globally. Read more about current or recent evidence-in-action stories
The MITS approach can be implemented using a community’s current infrastructure. Learn more