A:
A medical-legal examination entails reviewing the circumstances of the death, scientifically identifying the decedent, performing an autopsy and writing a report. The circumstances of the death are provided to the AFMES by the local commanders or investigative agencies such as the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Scientific identification is made by performing fingerprint, dental and/or DNA analyses. During the autopsy, photographs of the decedent are taken, physical characteristics are noted and any natural disease or trauma is documented. Selected fluids and small sections of organs are retained for microscopic, toxicological and/or DNA analyses. These body fluids and tissue samples are similar to those taken at a hospital laboratory for evaluation and are treated in the same manner. In rare instances, it is necessary to retain selected whole organs, such as the heart and/or brain, for expert consultation. If this is required, the person authorized to determine disposition (PADD) or next-of-kin (depending on the circumstance) is notified that these organs are being retained by the AFMES and disposition instructions are obtained.