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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
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