About Forensic Radiology

Forensic radiology is the science of using X-rays and other imaging technology to assist in investigating and gathering evidence for use in a court of law, in civil and criminal cases. This science has a long history and there are a number of different uses for forensic radiological techniques. The job of a forensic radiologist can be challenging and sometimes stressful, but also rewarding when victims are helped and mysteries are solved.

Definition

"Radiology" is defined as "the branch of medical science dealing with the medical use of X-rays or other penetrating radiation" and "forensic" means "used or applied in the investigations and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law", according to Princeton University. Forensic radiologists use X-rays or other imaging technology to gather evidence to be used in civil or criminal trials.

History

The first time an X-ray was used for a forensic purpose was shortly after the technology was invented, according to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM). In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays and just a few months later, a bullet lodged in the leg of a gunshot victim was shown in an X-ray and the evidence was used in court to successfully prosecute the accused for attempted murder. In addition to living subjects, forensic radiology is commonly used just before autopsies. The science has developed over the years to include CAT scan, MRI and ultrasound technologies.

Uses

VIFM says that forensic radiology can be used for many different purposes such as:
Investigating suspicious deaths and murders---X-rays of the deceased taken prior to autopsy can sometimes reveal cause of death, or alert a pathologist that a death is suspicious

Analyzing "adverse medical events"---when during a hospital stay or medical procedure, something goes wrong that causes injury to the patient, forensic radiology can provide clues and evidence of what has happened. X-rays are an important part of any medical process as they are a permanent record of the patient's condition

Legal Matters---in cases, for example, where there has been an assault, doctors will often X-ray the victim so that proof of injury can be shown in court

Child Abuse Cases---as part of the routine investigation into allegations of child abuse, X-rays are mandatory to show evidence of acute and chronic injury

Drug Trafficking---in the illegal narcotics trade, smuggling drugs by ingesting them or inserting them into body cavities is common. Forensic radiology can help law enforcement officials find these hidden packages

Body Identification---Along with dental records and DNA analysis, radiological images can be used to identify unknown victims. Imaging taken from before death can be compared to post-mortem images in order to find similarities.

Qualifications

According to the radiology trade magazine, "rt image," there is no coursework specific to forensic radiology. Students can train to become a radiologist and will be able to do forensic work. Or they may study forensic science with a focus on radiology. Although required qualifications may vary from employer to employer, a good candidate is detail-oriented, can work well in a team environment and excels under pressure.

Finding a Job

Qualified professionals who want to work in forensic radiology will likely find many open doors of opportunity. Forensic radiologist B.G. Brogdon, says not that many people pursue this line of work due to its sometimes gruesome nature. Some people choose to do forensic radiology only part-time, while also performing other radiological or forensic tasks. Brogdon recommends just going to a medical examiner's office and inquiring about available positions. There are also online educational and career resources including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences website.

Resources

• rt image
• Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
• Princeton University Wordnet