Applications of cytology to forensic pathology

In the practice of forensic pathology, all of the disciplines of anatomic and clinical pathology, as well as other forensic sciences, are employed for the solution of medicolegal questions and cases. This is a brief review of the current applications of cytology to forensic pathology, presented for the benefit of both cytologists and other pathologists who may be involved in forensic work. Cytologic studies employing established methods of specimen collection and preparation are used for the determination of sex in both living and dead persons, for the determination of sex and for tissue identification in trace evidence and in the documentation of some disease processes occurring in the forensic setting. Correlation of the cytologic evidence with the investigative and clinical findings is mandatory. The application of cytology to forensic pathology is both proven and practical