Forensic Pathology Committee, College of American Pathologists

Basic Competencies in Forensic Pathology outlines the concepts and techniques used in forensic pathology. Prepared by the Forensic Pathology Committee of the College of American Pathologists in conjunction with the National Association of Medical Examiners, the primer is intended to be a quick reference for pathologists in training and those who do occasional forensic autopsies. The primer is based on the recommended guidelines endorsed by NAME for forensic pathology training in anatomic pathology residency programs. It aims to provide a minimum working knowledge of forensic pathology, address the differences between a hospital autopsy and a forensic (medicolegal) autopsy, explain the “what’s and why’s” of forensic autopsies, and help pathologists determine when a particular case might require more forensic expertise than they are able to provide.

Contents include:

• Hospital versus medicolegal (forensic) autopsies
• Death investigation systems
• Death certification
• Overview of medicolegal autopsies
• Postmortem changes and identification of remains
• Sudden natural death in adults
• Postmortem chemistry
• Drugs and toxins
• Blunt and sharp force injuries
• Gunshot wounds
• Death due to asphyxia, electricity, and extremes in temperature
• Pediatric deaths
• Overview of other (nonpathology) forensic sciences

Softcover; 225 pages; 2006
ISBN: 0-930304-89-6