Forensic Instruments

X-rays have been used by forensic scientists for over a century.

Forensics is the area in which law interacts with the field of scientific medicine. Its role is to scientifically establish the facts in cases and incidents subject to civil or criminal law. There are a number of branches of forensics, all making use of different instruments to obtain a more complete scientific understanding of the evidence presented to them.

Microscope

Microscopes are a key tool in identifying trace evidence that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Forensic scientists use them to look for microscopic particles found in both man-made and natural products. Examples of their use include identifying residues of gunpowder, blood, narcotics, clothing fibers and paint. Forensic microscopy makes use of a variety of microscopes such as acoustic microscopes, optical microscopes, atomic force microscopes and electron microscopes.

Gas Chromatograph/ Mass Spectrometer

The gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer is an advanced instrument that is able to physically separate chemical compounds from each other and identify them in isolation. It is used by forensic chemists to help identify tiny samples of toxic chemicals found in a victim's body or in the analysis of evidence taken from a crime scene.

X-rays

X-rays are a penetrating radiation used by forensic radiologists to study the human body's interior. An X-ray machine takes a snapshot of a body which can be used in identifying foreign objects, broken bones, teeth and projectile pathways. According to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, X-rays were first used in forensics in 1895. The demonstration that a bullet was lodged in a gunshot victim's leg was successfully used by the prosecution in an attempted murder case.

3-D Imaging Technology

Developments in 3-D imaging technology and existing magnetic resonance imaging and multi-slice computed tomography has led to the creation of the "virtual autopsy". The "virtopsy" was developed at the University of Bern's Institute of Forensic Medicine, Switzerland, and allows scientists to view and investigate the interior of the human body in three dimensions in a non-invasive manner.

References

• Department of Laboratories and Research: Forensic Chemistry
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Virtopsy
• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Medical Jurisprudence or Forensic Medicine
• Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
• eNotes: Microscopes

Resources

• Lab Manager Magazine: Crime Lab Design