ABMDI Decedent Identification Methods 2

Question 1

DNA-based decedent identification requires collection of reference samples. Which of the following is an appropriate reference DNA source?

Accepted Answer

A personal item with the decedent's DNA (toothbrush, razor) or a biological relative's DNA sample

Answer

Reference DNA can be obtained from personal items bearing the individual's biological material, or via kinship analysis using samples from biological relatives.

Question 2

Dental identification is considered one of the most reliable methods because:

Accepted Answer

Teeth are extremely durable, and unique dental patterns can persist through trauma, fire, and decomposition

Answer

Teeth are highly resistant to decomposition, fire, and trauma. The unique combination of dental restorations, missing teeth, and anatomical features makes dental comparison a highly reliable identification method.

Question 3

Which of the following identification methods is considered least reliable as a standalone identification?

Accepted Answer

Visual identification by a family member

Answer

Visual identification by family members is unreliable because grief, trauma, decomposition, or facial injuries can cause errors. It is not accepted as a primary scientific identification method.

Question 4

The term presumptive identification in death investigation means:

Accepted Answer

Identity has been established to a high probability based on available circumstantial evidence but not scientifically confirmed

Answer

Presumptive identification is a working identification based on strong circumstantial evidence (documents, belongings, visual) but not yet confirmed by scientific methods.

Question 5

In mass fatality incidents, what system is commonly used to organize and track the reconciliation of postmortem and antemortem data?

Accepted Answer

DMORT databases and reconciliation systems

Answer

In mass fatality events, DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams) and associated databases are used to systematically reconcile postmortem findings with antemortem records for identification.

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI - American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators Practice Test

ABMDI Decedent Identification Methods 2