LABORATORY MANAGEMENT OF SKELETONISED REMAINS

• Jurisdiction: Australia

[35.190] Overview

Human remains may be forwarded to the forensic anthropology laboratory directly by the investigating police or by referral from the forensic pathologist. They should be accompanied by detailed documentation relative to the location and manner of discovery and recovery of the material and by photographic records taken at the recovery scene.

On arrival at the laboratory, all specimens are checked and receipted in order to maintain continuity of the chain of custody. They are allocated a laboratory registration number and then carefully identified and laid out in approximate anatomical position, before being catalogued and recorded. Recording may include audiotaped description, photographs, labelled diagrams and notes. Samples of any associated soft tissue, eg skin, hair, ligament, tendon, and associated soil and insect remains are collected, labelled and stored in suitable containers for any further analysis that may be required.

Following initial registration, recording...