Frequently Asked Questions
The 64-slice CT scan is able to give a better view of the size, shape and position of soft tissue structures than if simply using a lower grade or a regular X-ray. These slices can be as thin as a half a millimeter, so a 64-slice offers more image detail.
No. Just like in a normal conventional Autopsy, samples have to be sent for Chemical and Toxicology examination. In virtual autopsy a minimal invasive image guided biopsy is used to extract blood samples which has to be sent for Toxicology analysis.
Virtual Autopsy can establish cause of death in all types of cases
- Death due to Trauma- Motor vehicle accident, Fall from height, Stab injury, Gunshot Injury, bomb blast, Mass disaster & etc.
- Asphyxial Deaths – Drowning, Hanging, Choking & strangulation
- sudden death – Coronary artery disease, Intracranial Haemorrhage
- Natural death – Lung pathology, Liver Pathology, primary carcinoma with Metastatic (CT guided Biopsy for Histopathology)
With adequate training, Forensic Pathologist will be able to identify anomalies in the PMCT reporting, however a collaboration between the Radiologist and Forensic Pathologist will be useful.
It can take from 2 minutes to 5 minutes for the whole body to be scanned.
Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, United Kingdom are some of the countries already practicing PMCT technology.
Complete on-site training to the Pathologists, Radiologists, IT specialists and Technicians will be provided by experienced Forensic Imaging experts.
There are several advantages of using Virtual Autopsy Technology.
To the Forensic Pathologists it will be very useful as it will be:
- Less time consuming with lesser resource.
- Tamper free and clear recording.
- Free from Infection and Biohazard.
- Digital bodies available for 2nd opinion without limitation to geographical boundaries.
- Quick return of remains to families.
- Storage of physical bodies will not be required for most cases.
- All body parts can be recorded.
- Health & Safety will be always maintained.
To the Court it will be useful to provide the jury with visual demonstration using smart phones or tablets for clear understanding of evidence.
The need of the hour during pandemic and Mass disaster is Managing the dead with maintaining protection from biohazard and infectious pathogens. The Forensic specialist will be able to carry out their function extremely well without being exposed to any health and safety challenges. They can quickly determine the cause of death, assist in identification, and release the remains to their loved ones.
Virtual Autopsy provides respect and dignity to the dead. All bodies are treated with utmost respect and modestly covered. Religions such as Jews and Islam require the body to be buried within a short period of time. Virtual Autopsy can speed up the process of examination. Seeing the body with minimal invasive incision can be less painful to the grieving families.