Question 1

The purpose of _________ in autopsy is to decrease the potential health hazards to those in the room as well as to prevent transmission of those biohazards outside the room to clean areas of the office.

Accepted Answer

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary in an autopsy to protect the health of those performing the autopsy, as well as prevent the spread of biohazards. PPE typically includes gloves, gowns, masks, and face shields. Scalpels, brown paper bags, and defibrillators are not related to biohazard protection during autopsies.

Question 2

Needles and scalpels must be placed into _____________________________.

Accepted Answer

Needles and scalpels are considered biohazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly in sharps containers to prevent injury and spread of infection. They should never be placed in regular trash bins or recycled. Autoclaving is an option for disinfecting reusable instruments but is not applicable to single-use items like needles and scalpels.

Question 3

A standard scale used in forensic photo documentation is a(n) __________________.

Accepted Answer

The ABFO (American Board of Forensic Odontology) bite mark ruler is a standard scale used in forensic photo documentation to measure the size of bite marks. It ensures accuracy and consistency in documenting and analyzing bite mark evidence. The other choices are not relevant to photo documentation in forensics.

Question 4

________________ are applied to the backs of the right and left hands separately at the thumb, web of the thumb, and first finger.

Accepted Answer

Gunshot residue collection kits are used to collect potential gunshot residue from the hands, specifically targeting areas such as the backs of the hands, the thumb, the web of the thumb, and the first finger, where residue is most likely to be found following the discharge of a firearm.

Question 5

__________________ includes minute fragments of debris, fibers, hair, vegetation, paint chips, etc., that adhere to the body.

Accepted Answer

The description fits the definition of trace evidence, which includes tiny fragments of various substances that can be used to link a suspect to a crime scene or victim. Residue may include trace evidence, but is not specific enough. Inadmissible evidence and targeted evidence do not fit the description.

Question 6

To collect ___________, packages of sterile cotton swabs and a small cup of sterile saline are used.

Accepted Answer

Packages of sterile cotton swabs and a small cup of sterile saline are commonly used to collect DNA swabs. The other options listed require different collection methods. Fingernail clippings may be collected by scraping under the nails with a sterile tool. Bite marks may require photography and/or casting of the impression. Gunshot residue may require collection of clothing or other materials in close proximity to the discharge.

Question 7

DNA swabs

Accepted Answer

DNA swabs should generally be taken before the body is washed to avoid contaminating or compromising the DNA evidence. It is not limited to law enforcement and can also be done by medical examiners, coroners, and forensic teams. It is not necessary to wait for the body to be at the funeral home, as this can delay the investigation.

Question 8

It is best to cut the hairs rather than pull them when collecting hair for a rape kit.

Accepted Answer

The answer of It is best to cut the hairs...

Question 9

Vitreous is useful as a means of quantifying alcohol and verifying blood alcohol especially if the decedent received medical intravenous fluids which dilute blood specimens.

Accepted Answer

Vitreous humor is a clear, gel-like substance in the eyeball that is less affected by postmortem changes and can provide a more accurate reading of blood alcohol levels. It is often used in cases where blood specimens may have been diluted due to medical treatment or other factors.

Question 10

Peripheral blood is the desired specimen, as it is thought to reflect most accurately what the brain and body was experiencing at the time of death.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Peripheral blood is the desired specimen, as...

Question 11

The Rokitansky technique utilizes an organ-by-organ approach that uses the natural retraction of the body itself.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Rokitansky technique utilizes an organ-by-organ approach...

Question 12

Cassettes are small plastic cages that hold the biopsy specimens for histology.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Cassettes are small plastic cages that hold the biopsy specimens for histology.

Question 13

In cases of suspected strangulation, the pathologist will perform an anterior layer wise neck dissection.

Accepted Answer

A pathologist will perform an anterior layer wise neck dissection in cases of suspected strangulation to examine the structures of the neck and determine if there is evidence of strangulation.

Question 14

Removal of the inner ears is done to look for hemorrhaging.

Accepted Answer

Removal of the inner ears is not a common or standard practice for diagnosing hemorrhaging. Other imaging or diagnostic tests would be used instead.

Quiz 5: Autopsy Procedure