Effectiveness of bone cleaning process using chemical and entomology approaches: time and cost
- Author:
Lai Poh Soon
;
Khoo Lay See
;
Mohd Hilmi Saidin
;
Ahmad Hafizam Hasmi
;
Mohd Shah Mahmood
;
Nurliza Abdullah
;
Nazni Wasi Ahmad
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
forensic anthropology;
bone cleaning;
chemical;
maggots;
emission scanning electron microscopy
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2015;37(2):123-135
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Skeletal examination is an important aspect of forensic pathology practice, requiring effective bone
cleaning with minimal artefact. This study was conducted to compare between chemical and entomology
methods of bone cleaning. Ten subjects between 20 and 40 years old who underwent uncomplicated
medico-legal autopsies at the Institute of Forensic Medicine Malaysia were randomly chosen for this
descriptive cross sectional study. The sternum bone was divided into 4 parts, each part subjected to
a different cleaning method, being two chemical approaches i.e. laundry detergent and a combination
of 6% hydrogen peroxide and powder sodium bicarbonate and two entomology approaches using
2nd instar maggots of Chrysomyia rufifacies and Ophyra spinigera. A scoring system for grading the
outcome of cleaning was used. The effectiveness of the methods was evaluated based on average
weight reduction per day and median number of days to achieve the average score of less than 1.5
within 12 days of the bone cleaning process. Using maggots was the most time-effective and costeffective
method, achieving an average weight reduction of 1.4 gm per day, a median of 11.3 days
to achieve the desired score and an average cost of MYR 4.10 per case to reach the desired score
within 12 days. This conclusion was supported by blind validation by forensic specialists achieving
a 77.8% preference for maggots. Emission scanning electron microscopy evaluation also revealed
that maggots especially Chrysomyia rufifacies preserved the original condition of the bones better
allowing improved elucidation of bone injuries in future real cases.
- Full text:P020150923574138518597.pdf
