Decedent Identification Methods Flashcards
6 cards from real ABMDI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Decedent Identification Methods flashcards as text
Radiographic skeletal comparison as an identification method works by:
Answer: Matching unique anatomical features in antemortem and postmortem radiographs, such as trabecular patterns and healed fractures
Skeletal radiographic comparison matches unique features visible on X-rays including trabecular bone patterns, healed fractures, orthopedic hardware, and anatomical variants between antemortem and postmortem films.
When attempting to collect fingerprints from a decomposed decedent with slippage of the skin, what technique may be used?
Answer: The fingerprint technician wears the detached skin (gloving) over their own gloved finger to obtain prints
When skin slippage has occurred, a fingerprint technician can slip the detached epidermis over their own gloved finger to obtain ridge detail for printing.
An unidentified decedent is found with multiple tattoos. What is the appropriate investigative step regarding the tattoos?
Answer: Photograph and document all tattoos in detail, including location, size, color, and design, and enter the information into unidentified person databases
Tattoos are unique identifying features that should be thoroughly documented and entered into databases such as NamUs to assist in identification.
NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) is a valuable resource for MDIs because:
Answer: It maintains searchable national databases of missing persons and unidentified decedents to facilitate cross-matching
NamUs maintains parallel databases of missing persons and unidentified decedents that can be cross-searched to find matches and resolve cases.
When a positive identification is achieved, what is the MDI's responsibility regarding the identification?
Answer: Document the method and basis of identification in the investigative record and communicate it to the medical examiner for death certificate completion
The MDI must formally document the identification method and findings in the investigative record and report them to the medical examiner so that the death certificate can be completed.
Which of the following is the most reliable scientific method for identifying human remains when only bone fragments are available?
Answer: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis from bone
Mitochondrial DNA extracted from bone is the most reliable method when only skeletal or fragmented remains are available, particularly when nuclear DNA is degraded.