What is PMCT / Virtual Autopsy?

PMCT (Post-Mortem CT), also known as virtual autopsy is a non-invasive imaging autopsy.

How does PMCT work?

First, CT images of a decedent are taken and then the CT images are interpreted by a forensic radiologist (to help determine cause of death).

How reliable are PMCT results?

Various studies have shown that in many cases PMCT / virtual autopsy is as reliable as traditional autopsies.
(Note: Forensic Institutes in Europe, Australia, and Japan have been using PMCT in their daily routine for many years. A few major US centers have been doing so in recent years, so the trend is catching up now nationwide.)

What are the applications for PMCT?

Not limited to but the mostly widely used applications for PMCT include blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, unidentified bodies, falls from heights, suspected elder abuse, drowning, unknown causes of death, suicide, contraband, decomposition, burns, traffic accident, badly damaged bodies (due to train or place accidents), and gunshot incidents.

What are the advantages of PMCT?

• Religious and cultural objections to traditional autopsy methods (Jewish, Muslim, Native American Indian Communities…)

• Assisting forensic pathologists to help improve their findings.

• Assisting forensic pathologists when they cannot process all cases on hand.

• Assisting forensic pathologists to free themselves from unnecessary traditional autopsies.

• Can be performed when a forensic pathologist is not available.

• Helps minimize any exposure involving aerosol and/or infectious agents.

When can PMCT be used?

PMCT can be used to assist forensic pathologists before a traditional autopsy, instead of performing a traditional autopsy, and when there is no forensic pathologist available.

How can we have access to PMCT?

ADS provides very affordable (modular) solutions. ADS provides CT systems, training of your staff for operating the CT, access to forensic radiologists to read the CT images and provide you with a findings report (on cause of death), and more…

How affordable is a virtual autopsy (PMCT) service?

ADS provides very affordable (modular) solutions as follows:

• CT System - includes:

  • Installation, unlimited amount of 2D and 3D scans, PACS (to transmit the images to forensic radiologists), and warranty.

• CT Operation Training (for your staff)

• Forensic radiologist reporting

How can we justify the cost of this service?

ADS provides recommendations on ways to justify the cost of this service for your organization. Ideas may include:

• Cost-sharing the services with surrounding counties or regional areas.

• Charge other counties for allowing them to you use this service on your premises.

The cost is typically far less than one would think. Reach out to ADS for a detailed breakdown of costs.

Note:

"…Unlike traditional autopsies, which are invasive and result in the destruction of tissue, Virtopsy (Virtual Autopsy) leaves the cadaver intact and creates an objective 3D data set that can be shared with other experts," says Ruder. "And if 10 years from now new evidence comes to light, you can return to the original data set at any time. I've had a couple of cases where I've initially overlooked relevant findings only to detect them when reviewing the case with a colleague…" – Reference: “Virtual Autopsy – Does it spell the end of the scalpel? – by Mark Honigsbaum – The Observer – Forensic Science”

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