Forensic Pathology Technology

Forensic pathology is the medical specialty that deals with figuring out causes of death. Pathologists who work in the forensic field use simple and more complicated tools and methods to investigate cases of people who have died under suspicious circumstances.

Basic Tools

The technology for performing autopsies starts with the basic tools that have been specialized over the years for particular uses. For example, pathologists performing postmortems use a Stryker saw to cut open the skull to look at the brain. Cutting tools such as a scalpel and enterotome are used for opening tissue.

Imaging Techniques

Forensic pathologists use imaging techniques to assess skeletal development and find things such as fractures that could help identify unknown bodies and cause of death. Radiological techniques used include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), basic X-rays, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Toxicology

Pathologists use toxicology techniques to figure out if the deceased had ingested any drugs, alcohol or poisons. These tests use such equipment as mass spectrometers and gas chromatographers to isolate any important chemical.

References

• Forensic Pathologist: Tools
• Pubmed: Current Techniques in Postmortem Imaging with Specific Attention to Paediatric Applications
• University of Florida: Forensic Toxicology