Virtual autopsy vs. standard autopsy: the future of a dying trade
Loading...
Authors
Canedo, Jenni A.
Issue Date
2014
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis study was to compare and contrast traditional autopsy methods to new methods using radiological scanning called virtual autopsy. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast virtual autopsies to traditional autopsies and determine if one method produces better test results than the other; also to determine if virtual autopsies will replace traditional autopsies in the future. The research performed included a literature review of cases in which cause of death was determined by performing a virtual autopsy in order to determine the accuracy. A survey was taken to obtain public opinion on the confidence of utilizing virtual autopsies in determining cause of death and if one method is thought to be better than the other. The history of the origination of autopsies was explained leading up to the present use of autopsies and their decline. Both methods of traditional autopsy and virtual autopsy procedures were examined and both the pros and cons of each method.
It was determined that both methods of autopsies are reliable for use to determine cause of death and due to virtual autopsies newness to forensic sciences therefore it lacks full confidence and credibility. In expert opinion it is viewed as a reliable alternative to traditional autopsy methods. According to the survey most opinions reflected that both methods should be utilized in order to have complete accuracy in determining cause of death. This is a safety issue as well as an accurate alternative to traditional autopsy method.