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Use of a non-volatile agent to stabilize severely incinerated dental remains

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify volatile-free products that would be suitable for stabilizing incinerated dental remains at the scene of an incident, and that would not compromise any postmortem examination.

Methods

The anterior mandibles of sheep were incinerated, sprayed unilaterally with stabilizing agents, vibrated for 30 s, and assessed. The effect of the stabilizing solutions on radiographic examination was also recorded. Tests for volatility and the effect on human mandibles were also conducted.

Results

A flour/water mixture of one part flour to two parts water, and a paste mixture of one part Clag™ glue to one part water both produced significant stabilization results. The flour mixture left an opaque layer on the samples that it was applied to, which still allowed dental examination, but the glue paste mixture resulted in a clearer layer. Both solutions allowed radiographic examination and were free of volatiles.

Conclusion

Diluted Clag™ paste, when sprayed on to incinerated remains, assists in their stabilization for transportation. When Clag™ paste is unavailable a mixture of two parts water to one part plain flour could be utilized for stabilization.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Michael Cook, Forensic Science South Australia, Ray Last Anatomy Laboratory, Enfield Crematorium, Forensic Odontology Unit.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest and no support either financial or non-financial has been received from the manufacturers of Clag™ paste.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forensic Odontology Unit, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia

    John Berketa, Helen James & Lindsay Richards

  2. Forensic Science SA, 21 Divett Place, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia

    Neil Langlois & Paul Pigou

Authors
  1. John Berketa
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  2. Helen James
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  3. Neil Langlois
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  4. Lindsay Richards
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  5. Paul Pigou
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John Berketa.

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Berketa, J., James, H., Langlois, N. et al. Use of a non-volatile agent to stabilize severely incinerated dental remains. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 11, 228–234 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-015-9670-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-015-9670-z

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