Reconstruction of the sitting position in automobiles by microtrace analysis

Three car accidents are described in which microtrace analysis was of special significance in the clarification of the seating positions. In all three cases the occupants were under the influence of alcohol. In each case the accident occurred at night and without witnesses. The pattern of injuries in two cases was non-specific. In the first case, no fiber traces were visible to the naked eye; in the other two the fibers were recognizable to the naked eye after close examination. In all three cases, the seating position was ascertained by means of fiber trace analysis.     

Possibilities for using bedside cards as secondary comparison in trace element studies with the PCR technique]

When fresh blood is not available as a control in stain investigations extracted teeth, hair, preserved tissue samples, histological slides, cigarette butts or used stamps can also be used. This paper reports on a stain investigation performed 7 months after the death of the victim, where a bedside card from the medical records was successfully employed as a control blood sample. In a series of 10 bedside cards up to 9 years old, the investigation with the PCR method showed recognizable patterns in the STR systems SE 33 and TC 11. Matching patterns could be found from the 4 sections of each card (anti A, anti B, anti AB and anti D). A comparison of the oldest card with a fresh blood sample of the patient also showed matching patterns. AMPFLPs were successful with more recent cards. Using the PCR method typing of bedside cards from medical records up to 10 years old can be used in stain investigations.