subject: How Radiology Is Used in the Field of Forensics [print this page] How Radiology Is Used in the Field of Forensics
Specializing in forensic radiology is a very interesting choice if you're going into the field of radiologic technology. Radiology is "the branch of medical science dealing with the medical use of X-rays or other types of penetrating radiation" according to the dictionary. Forensic science is used in criminal investigations to establish evidence or facts. So, as you might imagine, forensic radiology uses radiologic technology to gather evidence that can be used in court rooms or criminal investigations.
If you choose to specialize in forensic radiology, you will learn how to use imaging technology including X-Rays and a number of different techniques to gather evidence that will be used in the criminal justice system.
Here are a few of the ways that radiologic technology is used in the field of forensics:
Analysis
Your work as a forensic radiologist can help criminal justice professionals to analyze adverse medical events, such as when something goes wrong during a medical procedure that causes injury to the patient.
Body Identification
Radiology provides another means of identifying bodies in addition to dental records and DNA.
Child Abuse Cases
X-rays are often used to help provide evidence of acute and chronic injury when allegations of child abuse have been raised.
Drug Trafficking
When criminals smuggle drugs into the country by ingesting them or inserting them into their body cavities, forensic radiologists can help law enforcement officials find these hidden illegal narcotics.
Investigating Suspicious Deaths and Murders
Before the autopsy happens, forensic radiologists often take X-Rays of the deceased to find more information about the cause of death.
Other Legal Issues
There are many cases, such as when an assault has allegedly occurred, when the doctor and legal professionals will recommend an X-Ray to provide proof of the incident in court.
When you help victims and make our legal system work better, the job will be rewarding. When you don't find the right information and things don't work out as planned, the job can be very challenging and stressful. The rewards can far outweigh the drawbacks, though, for those who are up the challenge.
Radiology is "the branch of medical science dealing with the medical use of X-rays or other types of penetrating radiation" according to the dictionary. Forensic science is used in criminal investigations to establish evidence or facts.
