Question 1

Question

Following a major earthquake, a regional hospital manages both survivors and victim identification. The forensic team faces: limited DNA lab capacity (30 samples/week), 200 bodies, pressure from families for quick release, and presence of closed casket bodies (intact) versus open/fragmented remains. As the coordinating forensic expert, evaluate and prioritize the identification strategy balancing ethical, legal, and practical considerations.

Accepted Answer

Stratified approach: Fast-track closed casket bodies using fingerprints/dental records; prioritize DNA for fragmented/decomposed remains; establish provisional identification with final DNA confirmation for complex cases

Answer

Immediate release of closed casket bodies to families after visual identification; DNA testing for fragmented remains only

Answer

Process all bodies through DNA testing in order of recovery, release bodies as results come; maintain equity

Answer

Establish community identification committees for visual identification of intact bodies; reserve DNA for disputed cases only

Disaster Victim Identification — MCQs

Disaster Victim Identification — MCQs

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