biomed

Forensic Autopsy

Required to determine cause and manner of death, especially in sudden, unexpected, or suspicious cases.

Diagnostic Test Selection

Beneficial to know medical history, symptoms, and clinical information to reduce false positives.

Pharmacogenomics

Study of how genes influence drug response for personalized medication.

SOP

Standard Operating Procedure.

External Examination

Initial step in a forensic autopsy, examining physical characteristics and signs of injury or disease.

Toxicological Analysis

Used if poisoning is suspected, testing body fluids for toxins or drugs.

Mortis

Latin term meaning "of death."

Importance of SOP

Crucial for accuracy, consistency, and safety in diagnostic tests.

Calling Authorities

Police should be called when a body is found to secure the scene and investigate.

Forensic Anthropologist

Called for analyzing partial skeletons to determine age, sex, stature, and cause of death.

Centrifuge

Separates sample components based on densities by spinning at high speed.

Forensic Toxicologist

Tests tissue samples and body fluids for poisoning substances.

Livor Mortis

Postmortem lividity indicating the position of the body after death.

Rapid Diagnostic Tests

Examples include pregnancy tests, glucose tests, and rapid strep tests.

CLIA

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 for technical standards and guidelines.

Stomach Contents

Useful in autopsies for estimating time of death and detecting substances.

Hair Root

Contains DNA for identification and information on drug use or toxins.

Rigor Mortis

Muscle stiffening typically observed 2-6 hours after death.

Pelvis Width

Helps determine the biological sex of a skeleton in forensic anthropology.

Karyotyping

Technique for examining an organism's set of chromosomes.

Culture and Sensitivity Tests

Lab tests to grow microorganisms for antibiotic selection.

GINA

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act protects against genetic discrimination.

Patient Identification

Barcodes, bracelets, and personal information improve patient identification.

Hair Sample Limitation

Provides long-term substance use info, limited DNA for genetic testing.

Medical Examiner

Typically a forensic pathologist specializing in disease and injury in the deceased.