Journal Published Online: 01 January 1993
Volume 38, Issue 1

The Use of Hydrogen Peroxide to Visualize Tattoos Obscured by Decomposition and Mummification

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Tattoos are distinctive, potentially important acquired identifying features that last for the life of the bearer, and persist into the postmortem period. However, the accumulation of decompositional pigments in the skin and subcutaneum will obscure tattoo designs. By treating the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide, the dark red-black decomposition products are temporarily removed, allowing underlying tattoos to be located, and photographed for identification purposes.

Author Information

Haglund, WD
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Sperry, K
Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, Atlanta, GA
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13387J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13387J