Use of post-mortem computed tomography in Disaster Victim Identification. Positional statement of the members of the Disaster Victim Identification working group of the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging; May 2014

British Neuropathological Society and International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging expert consensus statement for post mortem neurological imaging

“…Nevertheless, a cause of death was established by imaging in 92% of coroner referred cases. While our panel did not reach consensus on imaging for DVI, a positional statement advocating the usage of PMCT has already been published by ISFRI and provides detailed information regarding information required by Interpol in such circumstances. As medical evidence regarding specific indications for neuroimaging is still emerging, statements regarding indications that did not reach consensus from this question were not reworded in the second survey iteration, but these could be re‐examined in future.…”

“…Neuroimaging may be useful in disaster victim identification , determining the presence of skull fractures and intracranial haemorrhage in nonaccidental injury , crime scene reconstruction or in the investigation of an unexpected and otherwise clinically unexplained death . Nevertheless, robust evidence‐based studies and comprehensive guidelines specifically for post mortem neuroimaging are lacking.…”

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and disaster victim identification

“…In May 2014, a consensus document written on behalf of the members of ISFRI and supported by the International Association of Forensic Radiographers (IAFR), regarding the use of PMCT in DVI, recommended that it should be used for: (1) identifying the cause of, and contributory factors to, death; (2) disaster victim identification (DVI); (3) identifying potential hazardous materials within the body; (4) gathering evidence for criminal justice procedures [40]. This document also provides a detailed description of recommended body handling, PMCT scan, image data handling and image interpretation procedures.…”

Managing transformational change: Implementing cross-sectional imaging into death investigation services in the United Kingdom

“…It has taken nearly 10 years from conception through research, multi-team exercises, publications and demonstrations for mobile PMCT to be accepted and implemented into international disaster victim identification processes within a mass-fatality temporary mortuary [29]. It also took this period of time to go through the complete emotional cycle of change.…”