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Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an ABSL-4 Laboratory: 4. Medical Imaging Procedures
Published on: October 3, 2016
COVID-19 pandemic: a reminder to develop forensic radiology facility
Tanuj Kanchan1, Ashish Saraf2, Kewal Krishan3
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional autopsies pose infection risks. Postmortem radiography offers a safer, minimally invasive alternative for deceased individuals, protecting healthcare workers.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Radiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant mortality and strained healthcare systems.
- Effective management of deceased individuals and medico-legal services are crucial during pandemics.
- Forensic experts and autopsy personnel face risks of SARS-CoV-2 exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential of radiological techniques in postmortem examinations.
- To propose safer alternatives to conventional autopsies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of radiological techniques for postmortem examination.
- Assessment of risk mitigation strategies for healthcare workers.
Main Results:
- Postmortem radiography minimizes the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Radiological methods offer a promising alternative to conventional autopsies.
Conclusions:
- Radiological facilities can effectively replace high-risk conventional autopsy procedures.
- Implementing minimally invasive postmortem techniques is recommended during pandemics.
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