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Scientific Working Group for Forensic Anthropology (SWGANTH) 

Skeletal Sampling and Preparation 

Issue Date: 05/25/2011

Revision: 1

Skeletal Sampling and Preparation 

1.0 Principle, Spirit and Intent 

This section presents recommendations for cleaning or preparing skeletal remains for 

examination and sampling. Skeletal preparation and sampling should be done in a manner 

that limits or prevents contamination, unnecessary destruction, or adverse alteration of 

the remains. 

2.0 Purpose and Scope 

This document outlines best practice procedures for the cleaning, reconstruction, and 

preservation of skeletal remains, and the collection of skeletal samples. Practitioners of 

forensic anthropology should implement these guidelines to the fullest extent as 

applicable, practical and appropriate. In the absence of specific guidelines or in the case 

of conflicting procedures, the principle, spirit and intent should be met.

3.0 General Principles

In order to make skeletal material and features more accessible for forensic 

anthropological analyses, and in order to procure material that may have additional 

investigative value, it is sometimes necessary to sample and/or process skeletal material 

or other tissues associated with skeletal material. The condition of the remains at arrival 

and throughout the process of preparation and sampling should be documented. Any 

alterations caused by the process of sampling and preparation should also be documented. 

4.0 Best Practices

4.1 Skeletal Sampling

Sampling of soft tissue for other analyses (e.g., DNA) may be needed and should be 

conducted prior to skeletal preparation. 

All applicable data collection procedures should be completed before a skeletal element 

undergoes sampling. 

Sampling of skeletal elements for DNA analysis should employ techniques and 

equipment that help reduce and control contamination, including the use of blades or 

saws that are new and have been treated with bleach and/or UV light. 
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4.2 Skeletal Preparation (Processing)

There are three general approaches (mechanical, chemical, and entomological) in skeletal 

cleaning and preparation. The use of various methods and techniques within these 

methods is acknowledged and accepted. Decisions regarding preparation should include 

consideration for the types of analyses being conducted and whether or not analysis or 

long-term curation is the goal. 

Care should be taken to allow discovery of additional evidence (e.g., entomological, 

projectile) during processing. Any additional evidence should be handled in accordance 

with applicable procedures. 

Radiographs should be taken on remains prior to processing to detect or visualize objects 

such as foreign material, sesamoids, and secondary ossification centers.

As much adhering soft tissue as possible should be removed without the use of tools. If 

tools are required in the removal of soft tissue and other materials, tools that will 

minimize alteration (cuts, scratches) should be used. Preferable tools include those made 

of wood or plastic, although it is recognized that tools such as scissors or scalpels may be 

necessary. All tools used in preparation and sampling should be documented.

Coordination with appropriate agencies regarding the dispensation of soft tissue should 

be done prior to processing. 

Any procedure used to macerate the soft tissue is acceptable as long as it does NOT: 

Alter the dimensions of the bone 

Deteriorate the surfaces of the bone 

Introduce artifacts 

Change the structure of the bone 

Render the bone unsafe or unstable for handling 

Render the bone unfit for other analyses (e.g., DNA analysis). 

Create opportunity for commingling of cases. 

Destroy chain of custody and security. 

Upon completion of skeletal preparation, skeletal elements should be labeled. 

In the event that remains require reconstruction, the process and materials used should be 

documented. Any reconstruction methods or materials used should be reversible. 

5.0 Unacceptable Practices

The following practices are considered unacceptable and should be avoided when 

processing and sampling skeletal remains:

Use of chemicals that damage or destroy bone or DNA. For example, 

bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and formalin may be used in some 
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situations, but the destructive consequences and personal health risks 

of the use of these chemicals must be recognized. 

Excessive soaking of skeletal elements and excessive heat that can

damage or destroy bone and DNA. 

The unnecessary alteration or destruction of skeletal elements that 

provide the most useful information for identification (e.g., restored 

teeth, healed trauma, age indicators).

The unnecessary consumption of complete skeletal elements or 

complete sectioning of skeletal elements.

Unnecessary reconstruction of skeletal elements.