Areas of Forensic Science

Pathology: The examination of body tissues and fluids

What is this?
An examination of medical evidence and laboratory reports. This can usually be done by performing an autopsy, conducting medical exams, and studying the victim's medical history. Overall, it is the study of structural and functional changes in the body as a result of injury.

Who?
Medical examiners are usually physicians that specialize in forensic pathology. They are called Forensic Pathologists.

Examination
Gunshot wounds: They look for residue on clothing of the victim and around wounds. Information is used to determine how far away the gun was when the victim was shot. Wounds: They must identify what kind of wound it is. It can be a cut, a stab, defense wound, an hesitation wound. They examine wounds to figure out what kind of weapon was used and how the wound was made. Asphyxiation (death from lack of oxygen in the blood): They must find clues as to whether the victim was hanged, strangled, or if their was an obstruction of the victim's air passage.

Instruments used
Surgical Instruments
Microscopes

Toxicology/Alcohol Analysis: The study of poisons/drugs

What is this?
The detection and identification of drugs and poisons that may be present in a person's body fluids, tissues, and organs. This type of examination is not only conducted on the victim, but on the suspected perpetrator of the crime as well.

Who?
Forensic Toxicologists

Examination
The toxicology unit analyzes biological samples for the presence of alcohol and drugs. Blood, urine, or tissue samples are collected from subjects who have been charged with driving while intoxicated, victims of poisoning or sexual assault, from medical examiners’ offices, or in other suspicious or unusual circumstances. Blood-alcohol levels can be determined through blood tests through gas chromatography (a tests that detects drugs by separating various chemical compounds). The samples are received and cataloged, and all information about the case is noted.

Instruments Used
Alcohol Breath-Testing Instruments
Chemical Testing Instruments and Processes
Microscopes
Anthropology: The study of human beings

What is this?
An examination of the human body

Who?
Forensic Anthropologist

Examination
They study the human body to determine sex, height, weight, ancestral race, health status, marks of trauma and occupational stress, and specific patterns of the human body that can be used to identify an individual. Scientists examine skeletal bones , body structure, teeth markings, as well as fingerprints. Scientists can also identify an individual that may have left footprints, fingerprints, and bite marks by examining the crime science and other evidence being used to solve a particular case.

Instruments Used
Computer Technology
Microscopes
Fingerprinting Processes
Metal Detector
X-rays

Biology: The study of DNA

What is this?
Utilizing chemical, enzymatic, and microscopic techniques to identify biological samples (e.g., blood, semen, saliva)

Who?
Forensic Biologists

Examination
The forensic biologist can compare DNA genetic markers in crime scene samples to the DNA markers identified in standards from individuals believed to be involved in the case. This type of analysis establishes whether or not a particular individual could be a donor of the biological stain(s) found at the crime scene. DNA samples include blood, hair, saliva, body fluids, and fingerprints.

Instruments Used
Laboratory equipment
DNA Testing
Microscopes



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 





Also used by
Forensic Scientists...
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis :
The examination of the shapes, locations, and distribution patterns of bloodstains, in order to provide an interpretation of the physical events which gave rise to their origin. This analysis can be used to confirm or refute assumptions concerning events and their sequence such as the position of victim (standing, sitting, and lying) or evidence of a struggle (blood smears, and blood trails).