Initial Treatment and Examination Flashcards
What are the three main phases of initial treatment?
preparation, reconstruction/sorting, and inventorying
What laboratory equipment is found in a lab?
large table, large sink, gas jets or electrical outlets with heating equipment, fume hood
What laboratory tools are found in lab?
calipers, bone board, drying rack, computer, printer, locking cabinets/closets, bookshelves
What are the two key safety issues in a forensic lab?
- must maintain the chain of custody
- must maintain a safe working environment
What is maceration?
the removal of soft tissue
What are the four steps of maceration?
bulk soft tissue removal, disarticulation, residual soft tissue removal, stabilizing remains
What is bulk soft tissue removal?
using a scalpel to remove soft tissue from the large muscle masses of the torso and limbs and cutting the internal organs away from their connective tissues
What is disarticulation?
separating bones into smaller groups that make sense
What is the most common method for removing residual soft tissue?
maceration in water and detergent
Why is maceration in water and bleach or maceration in antiformalin solution less common?
while these methods take less time, there is a higher risk of damaging the bone
What are the three steps after preparation?
reconstruction, sorting, and reassembly
When is reconstruction of a broken bone not necessary?
when pre-mortem trauma exists
During the process of sorting, separate bones by ____ and ____, then by ____ and ____.
type and size, sex and age
What can you use to separate based on size?
weights and lengths of bone
What can you use to separate based on age?
The presence of unfused epiphyses or the presence of arthritic lipping
