How effective is virtopsy versus autopsy in determining the cause and manner of death
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Authors
Burton, Stanita C.
Issue Date
2015
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Virtopsy , Autopsy , Forensic imaging , Medical examiner
Alternative Title
Abstract
This project was conducted to highlight and contrast the ethics, efficiency and effectiveness of conducting a virtopsy versus an autopsy. The purpose of this study was to resolve which method, if either, is more effective in determining the cause and manner of death. The research utilized to perform this study included a literature review of cases whose cause and manner of death were determined by either virtopsy and/or traditional autopsy. A survey was conducted to obtain the opinions of autopsy professionals as to which method is preferred and thought to be more effective in determining cause and manner of death. The procedures as well as pros and cons of each method were examined as well. Findings revealed that there is a significant difference in overall effectiveness in determining the cause and manner of death between the two methods however, depending on case type using each method together can significantly increase the accuracy of determinations.