Posts tagged 'ForensicRadiology'

 It’s not uncommon for hospital imaging departments to get requests to image the deceased to gather forensic evidence needed by the police or investigators.   This is called forensic radiology. Radiography is commonly used in the collection of forensic evidence and is especially useful for confirming the identity of both living and deceased subjects. It can be used for identifying pre-existing skeletal trauma, assisting in the determination and/or confirmation of the cause of death, and locating hidden foreign bodies.  Some types of foreign bodies include bullet fragments, fragments of explosives and packages of illegal substances. This is why it is important for radiographers to understand the appropriate forensic imaging protocols for each situation, as well as the legal and ethical issues involved.  

The coroner relies on radiographers to provide clues that cannot be seen any other way and provide digital evidence that can  help solve cases.  As radiographers, you solve puzzles. The deceased are brought in on a gurney in a “body bag.”  Bodies are often put on the imaging table and imaged without even opening the bag. However, there are times when only specific body parts need to be imaged. This can include body parts that are no longer attached to the body. In those cases, there is no shroud to cover the object being imaged.  

Forensic imaging can be done with X-ray or with CT.  The determination lies at the request of the coroner. Sometimes entire CT scans of the body are acquired.  Ultimately, the goal is to solve the Cause of Death and the Manner of Death. The Cause of Death is determined through an investigation by the coroner. There are five Manners of Death: Natural, Homicide, Suicide, Accidental, and lastly undetermined.

What kind of cases require forensic radiography?

• Homicides
• suicides
• decomposed bodies
• infant deaths
• penetrating traumas
• burn victims and
• unidentified bodies
• skeletal surveys for suspected child abuse

Radiography is also used as a Medicolegal Investigative Tool

• Fingerprints: Specific imaging techniques using radiographs can uncover latent fingerprints from difficult surfaces such as plastic, biological material, and colored or printed paper.
• Documents:Radiographs can reveal surface details in the paper as well as indentations, obliterations, alterations, and watermarks.
• Serial Numbers: Concealed or altered serial numbers may be visualized in radiographs as well as identifying markings hidden inside the seams of clothing.
• Bomb Detection:X-ray images provide a more detailed look at the explosive devices that also include a battery and wiring.

As you can clearly see, Radiology is an important aspect of forensics. Click here to learn more about the educational framework needed to get into forensic radiology,

Forensic Radiology is a segment within the field of medical imaging that focuses on using radiology imaging techniques where evidence may be gathered in a court of law. The use of radiography in support of evidence has a long history dating back to the first few months after Wilhelm Roentgen’s discovery in 1895. A bullet seen using an x-ray was used for cases of attempted murder. Pathologists commonly use radiographs when performing autopsies. The images can help them identify elements that are out of place or questionable and then allows them to further investigate. As the radiologic sciences have advanced over the years to include MRI’s, CT’s, and ultrasound, the accuracy has increased to a much greater degree and has made it even more relevant for investigating crimes and gathering evidence.

Forensic radiology is an emerging career option. By combining a knowledge of forensic sciences with radiology, you will have the skill and knowledge required to be an effective member of a forensics team. If you have a desire to fight crime and use medical imaging technology in the service of fighting crime, this could be a rewarding career option. Visit the Forensic Radiology School Website to see what Radiology Schools are available.

 It’s not uncommon for hospital imaging departments to get requests to image the deceased to gather forensic evidence needed by the police or investigators.   This is called forensic radiology. Radiography is commonly used in the collection of forensic evidence and is especially useful for confirming the identity of both living and deceased subjects. It can be used for identifying pre-existing skeletal trauma, assisting in the determination and/or confirmation of the cause of death, and locating hidden foreign bodies.  Some types of foreign bodies include bullet fragments, fragments of explosives and packages of illegal substances. This is why it is important for radiographers to understand the appropriate forensic imaging protocols for each situation, as well as the legal and ethical issues involved.  

The coroner relies on radiographers to provide clues that cannot be seen any other way and provide digital evidence that can  help solve cases.  As radiographers, you solve puzzles. The deceased are brought in on a gurney in a “body bag.”  Bodies are often put on the imaging table and imaged without even opening the bag. However, there are times when only specific body parts need to be imaged. This can include body parts that are no longer attached to the body. In those cases, there is no shroud to cover the object being imaged.  

Forensic imaging can be done with X-ray or with CT.  The determination lies at the request of the coroner. Sometimes entire CT scans of the body are acquired.  Ultimately, the goal is to solve the Cause of Death and the Manner of Death. The Cause of Death is determined through an investigation by the coroner. There are five Manners of Death: Natural, Homicide, Suicide, Accidental, and lastly undetermined.

What kind of cases require forensic radiography?

• Homicides
• suicides
• decomposed bodies
• infant deaths
• penetrating traumas
• burn victims and
• unidentified bodies
• skeletal surveys for suspected child abuse

Radiography is also used as a Medicolegal Investigative Tool

• Fingerprints: Specific imaging techniques using radiographs can uncover latent fingerprints from difficult surfaces such as plastic, biological material, and colored or printed paper.
• Documents:Radiographs can reveal surface details in the paper as well as indentations, obliterations, alterations, and watermarks.
• Serial Numbers: Concealed or altered serial numbers may be visualized in radiographs as well as identifying markings hidden inside the seams of clothing.
• Bomb Detection:X-ray images provide a more detailed look at the explosive devices that also include a battery and wiring.

As you can clearly see, Radiology is an important aspect of forensics. Click here to learn more about the educational framework needed to get into forensic radiology,