Journal Published Online: 01 July 1979
Volume 24, Issue 3

Application of the Tri-Ess Mini Metal Detector to Forensic Autopsies (or, How to Find the Elusive Projectile)

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Locating and recovering projectiles and projectile fragments from cadavers can sometimes be difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming. Precisely locating a projectile by X-ray is usually not accomplished because of the difficulty in obtaining accurate oblique and lateral projections. The forensic pathologist is thus occasionally faced with a situation where the general location of a projectile is known but the track is lost or becomes inapparent during the course of dissection. Further X-rays are generally useless, and one must then embark on a lengthy and frequently mutilating dissection to locate and retrieve the projectile. In such autopsy situations, we have found the Tri-ess metal detector to be of definite help. This instrument was initially chosen because of its purported sensitivity, small size, and low cost.

Author Information

Wetli, CV
Dade County Medical Examiner Office, Miami, Fla.
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS10884J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10884J