Esoteric Technique Useful in the Identification of Unidentified Remains From the Examination of Faded, Illegible Hospital Identification Wristbands

• NCJ Number: 201555
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 48 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 817-820
• Author(s): Arthur T. Anthony B.S.; Betty C. Gayton B.S.; Brian C. McVicker B.S.
• Date Published: July 2003
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study describes an esoteric technique used to gain personal information from faded, illegible hospital wristbands to aid in the identification of unidentified remains.

Abstract

High resolution Charged Coupled Device cameras (CCD) sensitive in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum are currently used in conjunction with band pass barrier filters, excitation filters, and a light source to inspect inks. The advantages of this technique are that it is non-destructive and the results can be viewed in real-time and saved as digital image files, permitting further enhancement. The authors utilized this technique to examine the hospital wristbands on unidentified remains from the Tri-State Crematory disaster in Walker County, GA. The goal was to recover personal information from the hospital wristbands that might aid in the identification of the remains. The infrared technique proved useful in assisting with the identification of unidentified skeletal remains in this case. The authors assert that CCD cameras are a useful technique to recover data where no discernable data are apparent. References