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                            Funding & Awards
 Evaluation of the Routine Use of CT Scanning to Supplant or Supplement Autopsy in a High-Volume Medical Examiner's Office
Award Information
Awardee
              UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO
Award #
              2016-DN-BX-K002
Funding Category
              Competitive Discretionary
Location
                    ALBUQUERQUE, NM
Congressional District
              1
Status
              Closed
Funding First Awarded
              2016
Total funding (to date)
              $619,325
Original Solicitation
              Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2016, $619,325)
As submitted by the applicant: X-ray computed tomography (CT) enables three-dimensional, non-invasive imaging, and is routinely used for medical diagnosis in the living. There are many potential advantages of utilizing post-mortem CT (PMCT) for investigating deaths; however, its impact on forensic medical practice in the U.S. has so far been minimal. Clearer definition of the utility of PMCT is needed to justify changes in funding priorities. Recently, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (NM OMI) conducted a large study (904 cases) evaluating the utility of PMCT imaging, interpreted by a radiologist, for supplementing or replacing the traditional autopsy exam. The study findings have already impacted the daily practice of the NM OMI, resulting in a decrease in autopsy rates for specific case types, such as motor vehicle fatalities. In practice, forensic pathologists often interpret the PMCT images, prior to autopsy, to enable better case management  to decide whether additional laboratory tests are needed, whether to perform an autopsy or an external exam, or whether a familys request for no autopsy can be honored.
Note:  This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law. ca/ncf



  
Grant-Funded Publications
        
                      Accuracy of forensic pathologists in incorporating post-mortem CT (PMCT) in forensic death investigation
                  Postmortem CT Scans: Can They Effectively Replace Full Autopsies?
                  Evaluation of the Routine Use of CT Scanning to Supplant or Supplement Autopsy in a High-Volume Medical Examiner’s Office
                  Using Advanced Imaging Technologies To Enhance Autopsy Practices
                                                                      NIJ Journal,

  
Date Created: September 13, 2016
    
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