title: A safer method for body restoration following autopsy.
abstract: Restoration of autopsy incisions can result in inadvertent needle stick injury to the prosector, which can be difficult to prevent even with the use of personal protective equipment such as Kevlar cut resistant gloves. We present a new technique for closure of autopsy incisions using a commonly available commercial hardware tool, a hole punch with a lever enhanced action, combined with blunt probe sewing, which results in an esthetic and leak-proof means of restoring cadavers. This technique is especially useful in cases which may pose blood-borne infection risks to the prosector.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine Sydney, PO Box 90, Glebe, NSW, 2037, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Duflou
authors.forename: Bradley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: McNamara
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cluney
mesh_terms: D001344:Autopsy; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*
keywords: autopsy techniques; forensic pathology; forensic science; infectious diseases; needlestick injury; workplace hazards