ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 April 1979
Page Count: 4

Accidental Death by Light Anti-Tank Weapon: A Dangerous Autopsy?
Spencer, CDRJD
Officer in charge of Autopsy Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Naval Regional Medical Center, Calif

(Received 10 June 1978; accepted 1 September 1978)

Abstract

Pathologists rarelv encounter a personally dangerous autopsy. Recently, I performed an autopsy on an individual who died after being struck by a projectile that was part of a light anti-tank weapon. The projectile remained embedded in the body but did not explode. Initially, there was considerable concern that the projectile was still “live,” that is, capable of exploding at any time. Special problems presented by the autopsy will be reviewed. Finally, recommendations for similar cases will be made.

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Paper ID: JFS10856J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10856J
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