Forensic maceration - A comparative analysis of literature and practical application

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Forensic Science Methodology
• Bioarchaeology

Background:

• Soft tissue removal is crucial for accurate skeletal analysis in forensic investigations.
• Maceration, a water-soaking method, is a common technique for tissue removal but lacks standardized protocols.
• Variations in maceration practices exist across different forensic professionals and settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review published literature on forensic maceration techniques.
• To conduct an international survey comparing current maceration practices with literature recommendations.
• To assess the impact of maceration methods on tool mark and material trace analyses on bone.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of 27 relevant articles on forensic maceration.
• An international survey distributed to 57 laboratories and institutes across 19 countries.
• Analysis of survey data to identify common practices, variations, and potential impacts on bone analysis.

Main Results:

• Literature indicates ongoing research and development in maceration techniques, favoring warm water and detergent-based methods.
• Survey results show general alignment with literature but reveal persistent use of aggressive methods.
• Significant lack of standardization and inclusion in standard operating procedures (SOPs) was observed globally.

Conclusions:

• Current forensic maceration practices exhibit considerable variation and a lack of standardization.
• The use of aggressive maceration methods and inconsistent SOPs can affect the reliability of skeletal analyses.
• Further research and standardization of maceration protocols are essential for consistent, efficient, and reproducible forensic casework.