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Forensic Medicine Flashcards

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3846542280Absolute Certaintyultimate sureness with no implication of possible change.0
3846542281Accountabilitythe quality of subordinate workers being responsible for his/her own work and answerable to a superior.1
3846542282Accuracythe degree of conformity of a measured quantity to its actual (true) value.2
3846542283Acetonea colorless, highly flammable chemical compound used as an organic solvent, an ingredient in many lacquer thinner compounds and adhering liquids.3
3846542284Accelerantan agent, often an ignitable liquid, that acts to initiate a fire or increase its rate of spread.4
3846542285Administrative documentationrecords such as case related conversations, evidence receipts, description of evidence packaging and seals, and other pertinent information.5
3846542286Administrative (or Laboratory Director) Case File Reviewa detailed final review of the case file documentation. A member other than the assigned analyst must conduct the Laboratory Director case file review on all case files.6
3846542287Algor mortisthe postmortem cooling of the body.7
3846542288Analytical Dataall case specific records such as notes, worksheets, graphs, spectra, printouts, computer data files, photographs, photocopies, microscopic slides and other data or records.8
3846542289Analytical Procedurean orderly step9
3846542290Analystany ADFS personnel assigned to perform scientific investigation or evidential examination.10
3846542291Ante mortem - preceding death Antigensforeign substances in the body that are capable of causing disease.11
3846542292Arsonthe intentional and unlawful burning of a building or other property.12
3846542293Assessmentthe process of evaluating analysts to determine their level of technical knowledge, skills, and abilities.13
3846542294Asphyxiationa medical term for suffocation, which leads to lack of oxygen in the blood.14
3846542295Audita review conducted to compare the various aspects of the laboratory's performance with a standard for that performance.15
3846542296Back spatterblood directed back toward the source of energy or force that caused the spatter; often associated with entrance gunshot wounds.16
3846542297Ballisticsbranch of physics that deals with the flights of projectiles.17
3846542298Base paircombination of 2 nucleotides (A and T or G and C) held together by weak hydrogen bonds; the DNA double helix is formed when a base pair of nucleotides in the DNA strands are connected by these bonds.18
3846542299Bilea digestive fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats.19
3846542300Biologythe science that studies living organisms.20
3846542301Blind or DoubleBlind Sample Technique21
3846542302Blood borne pathogenspathogenic microorganisms in blood or other body fluids that can cause disease in people. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in all of its forms.22
3846542303Bloodstaintransfer resulting when liquid blood comes into contact with a surface.23
3846542304Calibrationthe set of operations which establish, under specified conditions, the relationship between values indicated by a measuring instrument or measuring system, or values represented by a material, and the corresponding known values of a measurement.24
3846542305Case Filethe hard copy case folder which contains all or part of the documentation forming the case record.25
3846542306Case Recordall notes, reports, custody records, charts, analytical data, and any correspondence generated in the laboratory pertaining to a particular case, which may be located in the hard copy case folder or the LIMS.26
3846542307Case Managementthe approach for setting up a logical methodology for acceptance, analytical work, priority, transfer, and return related to work conducted.27
3846542308Cause of deathdisease or injury that initiates the lethal train of events leading to death.28
3846542309Cerebral edemathe presence of a large amount of water in the spaces of the brain.29
3846542310Certificate of Analysisa document that reports and certifies the test results of a product.30
3846542311Certified Reference Materiala reference material or standard whose property values are certified by a valid procedure or are accompanied by or traceable to a certificate or other documentation is issued by a recognized certifying body.31
3846542312Chain of Custodya record of individuals who have had physical possession of the evidence.32
3846542313Chemicals & Toxic Substance Lista list of recognized chemicals and toxic substances present in the laboratory facilities.33
3846542314Chromatogramthe pattern of separated substances obtained by chromatography.34
3846542315Chromatographya method for separating mixtures based on differences in the speed at which they migrate over or through a stationary phase.35
3846542316CODISCombined DNA Index System; a DNA database system36
3846542317CODIS administratoran employee of the laboratory responsible for administration and security of the laboratory's CODIS at a laboratory that owns the database and/or known samples.37
3846542318Competency testthe evaluation of a person's ability to perform work in any functional area prior to the performance of independent casework.38
3846542319Congenital anomalyan abnormality, such as a spinal column defect, present at birth.39
3846542320Contact wounda skin injury produced by a weapon in contact with or a fraction of an inch from the skin when discharged.40
3846542321Continuing Education Coursesshort, defined periods of formal job41
3846542322Controla test with predictable results performed with an experimental procedure to confirm the reliability of the experimental results.42
3846542323Controlled Substancea drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, and use are regulated by a government.43
3846542324Coroneran elected official with death investigation duties.44
3846542325Corroborating evidenceevidence that tends to support a proposition that is already supported by some evidence.45
3846542326Crime/Forensic Laboratorya laboratory (with at least one full46
3846542327Crime scenean area, object or person, external to a laboratory facility, from which evidence is identified, documented, collected, and/or interpreted.47
3846542328Criteriastandards against which compliance is evaluated. The criteria are used to evaluate whether the laboratory activity meets the standard. This is often a restatement of the standard in the form of a question which can be answered "yes", "no", or not applicable - "(N/A)".48
3846542329Databaserefers to the DNA analysis of database samples for entry into CODIS and, if eligible, for upload to the National DNA Index System (NDIS).49
3846542330Database samplea sample obtained from an individual who is legally required to provide a DNA sample for databasing purposes and whose identity is established at the time of collection of the sample.50
3846542331Deficiencyan inadequacy or lacking in some necessary defined quality or element. Deficiencies include but not limited to missing data, incomplete data, or incomplete reports.51
3846542332Desirablea defined standard, which has the least deleterious effect on the work product or the integrity of the evidence but which nevertheless, enhances the professional status, character, or values of the laboratory.52
3846542333Detection Limitthe lowest quantity of a substance that can be distinguished from the absence of that substance (a blank value) within a stated confidence limit.53
3846542334Disciplinea major forensic science area dealing with similar tests, examinations, or comparisons. Examples include but are not limited to the disciplines of DNA Database, Drug Chemistry, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology, Forensic Pathology/Death Investigation, Implied Consent, Scene Investigation/Processing, and Toxicology.54
3846542335Discipline Standard Operating Procedures Manuals (SOP)manuals that concentrate on issues that are unique to a discipline or functional area. Examples include but are not limited to: maintenance and calibration of instruments and balances; reference standards and controls; detailed analytical protocols and procedures; health and safety issues specific to functional area. Each Discipline or Functional Area is required to have a Discipline SOP Manual.55
3846542336Discrepancyany reported result, casework, or proficiency test, which differs from the consensus result. Discrepancy is also defined as an apparent error in the final conclusion from an analytical procedure. Analytical procedures are tests performed in casework and proficiency tests. A final conclusion is issued in a report after appropriate reviews. Discrepancies may be classified as Class I, II, or III.56
3846542337Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses.57
3846542338Drift, Analyticalthe systematic or scientific variability in a method, test, or procedure where results gradually deviate from the norm or the expected range.58
3846542339Drug Chemistry Sectionthe discipline responsible for the analyzes of any substance seized under the state's laws restricting the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of abusive59
3846542340Drug Standards Inventorythe physical accounting of drug standards used in the Chemistry and Toxicology Sections.60
3846542341Dutya responsibility, task, etc., required by or relating to one's occupation or position.61
3846542342Electrophoresisa technique for the separation of charged molecules by migration on a support medium under the influence of an electrical charge.62
3846542343Equivocal deathmanner of death (homicide, suicide, accident) remains undetermined after a complete investigation.63
3846542344Error Ratethe frequency at which one deviates or strays from a correct standard.64
3846542345Essentiala defined standard, which directly effects and has a fundamental impact on the work product of the laboratory or the integrity of the evidence.65
3846542346Evidenceany item entrusted to the ADFS Forensic Laboratories for demonstrative examination.66
3846542347Evidence Inventorythe physical accounting of evidence and records related thereto.67
3846542348Evidence Submission Formform used to receive evidence into the laboratory and to initiate request for laboratory examinations or analyses.68
3846542349Evidence Transfera change in the possession of a custody item that must be documented in two specified locations (submitter and receiver). Transfers can occur from person to person, person to secure place, or secure place to secure place.69
3846542350Evidence Vault(s)a secured room or rooms for the storage of custody items.70
3846542351Examinations (Training)objective evaluative instruments designed to measure job71
3846542352Examinations (Evidential)the questioning, testing, comparing, or analyzing of a custody item in a prescribed manner that is helpful in forming a conclusion or judgment relative to the item72
3846542353Exceptionthe temporary suspension of some essential element of a policy, procedure, or requirement caused by circumstances that are expected to return to normal at some point in the future. For the duration of the period, the policy, procedure, or requirement is temporarily modified. If the period is anticipated to last longer than one year, then the modification should be incorporated into the ADFS Quality or Operations manual.73
3846542354External Proficiency Testan exam process/instrument prepared by an outside provider and used as a quality assessment sample.74
3846542355Exsanguinationbleeding to death.75
3846542356False negativetest result that states that an analyte is absent, when, in fact, it is present above the established limit of detection for the analyte in question.76
3846542357False positivetest result that states that an analyte is present, when, in fact, it is not present or, is present in an amount less than a threshold or designated cutoff concentration.77
3846542358Fire Debrisa general term used to define the debris from a fire that is collected as evidence for laboratory examination.78
3846542359Firearms and Toolmarks Sectiona discipline responsible for the comparison of firearms, casings, projectiles and other evidence that may be associated through toolmarks. Toolmarks result whenever two items come into contact with sufficient force, such that one or both of the items bear markings resulting from the other item.79
3846542360Forensicthe application of scientific knowledge to legal problems.80
3846542361Forensic biologythe application of biology to law enforcement.81
3846542362Forensic Pathologya branch of pathology concerned with determining the cause of death by examination of a corpse.82
3846542363Forensic sciencethe process of using science to resolve legal issues.83
3846542364Forensic Toxicologya discipline of forensic science concerned with the study of toxic substances or poisons, of which there are many thousands.84
3846542365Gas chromatographygas flowing through a coated tube separates compounds by their size, weight, and chemical reactivity with the coating of the tube or column.85
3846542366Gelsupport medium (agarose) that holds DNA molecules in place during the separation phase of electrophoresis.86
3846542367Geneticsthe study of inherited traits, genotype/phenotype relationships, and population/species differences in allele and genotype frequencies.87
3846542368Goala statement of purpose defining the mission or intended outcome.88
3846542369Good Analytical Practiceapproved method to perform a specific analytical technique that influences the quality of the analysis.89
3846542370Good Laboratory Practicean approved method to perform a basic operation, activity, or service in a laboratory which influences or enhances the quality of its output.90
3846542371Histologyis the anatomical study of the microscopic structure of tissues.91
3846542372Hypostasisthe pooling of blood as it accumulates at the lowest parts of the body, being pulled down by gravity; is a method of determining the position of the body at/after death.92
3846542373Hypothermiathis situation occurs when the core temperature of one's body falls below normal. It is the failure of the body to maintain adequate production of heat under conditions of extreme cold.93
3846542374IBIS (Integrated Ballistics Information System)a database used for acquiring, storing, and analyzing images of bullets and cartridge casings. Important94
3846542375Inspectiona review or audit of areas, practices, procedures for compliance with existing policy.95
3846542376Inventorya detailed accounting of all items within a specified location. Examples include but are not limited to: evidence in the evidence vault, evidence in the possession of an analyst, drug standards in the secure storage area for drug standards, contents of a container, etc.96
3846542377Internal Proficiency Testan exam process/instrument originating from within the laboratory system and used as a quality assessment sample.97
3846542378Known samplebiological material whose identity or type is established. An example of a known sample is a sample contributed by the close biological relative of a missing person.98
3846542379Known Standarda specimen from an identified source acquired for the purpose of comparison with the evidence.99
3846542380Laboratorya facility (1) employing at least two full100
3846542381Laboratory Director (or Administrative) Case File Reviewa detailed final review of the case file documentation. A member other than the assigned analyst must conduct the Laboratory Director case file review on all case files.101
3846542382Laboratory PersonnelADFS members with specific laboratory responsibilities.102
3846542383Laboratory Satellitea member of a laboratory system that is managed by, but is physically separated from, a parent or regional laboratory.103
3846542384Laboratory Systeman organization containing at least two physically separate laboratory facilities that are independently managed under the control of a single superior in the chain of command.104
3846542385Laboratory support personnelemployees who perform laboratory duties exclusive of analytical techniques on database and/or known samples.105
3846542386Lacerationsanything that has been torn roughly for example106
3846542387Limited Accessaccess limited to personnel authorized by the laboratory director.107
3846542388Manner of deathdeath occurs in one of four manners: natural, if caused solely by disease; accidental, if it occurs without apparent intent; suicide, if caused by the deceased; homicide, if someone other than the deceased caused it.108
3846542389Mass spectrometersan instrument used to both measure and analyze molecules under study. The process involves introducing enough energy into a target molecule to cause its ionization and disintegration. The resulting fragments are then analyzed, based on the mass to charge ratio and produces a "molecular fingerprint."109
3846542390Mass spectrometrythis technique can be used to both measure and analyze molecules under study. It involves introducing enough energy into a target molecule to cause its ionization and disintegration. The resulting fragments are then analyzed, based on the mass/ charge ratio to produce a "molecular fingerprint."110
3846542391Medical Examinergovernment official, always a physician and often a forensic pathologist, charged with investigating sudden and unexpected deaths or deaths from injuries.111
3846542392Methodthe course of action or technique followed in conducting a specific analysis or comparison leading to an analytical result.112
3846542393NDISThe National DNA Index System. NDIS is one component of CODIS—the national and highest113
3846542394Notesthe documentation of procedures, standards, control and instruments used, observations made, results of tests performed, charts, graphs, photographs, sketches and other documents generated that are used to support the analyst's conclusions.114
3846542395Objectivea measurable, definable accomplishment that furthers the goals of the organization.115
3846542396OffenderAn individual who is required by statute to submit a sample for DNA analysis and databasing. The term "offender" includes individuals who are convicted of or arrested for a crime or juveniles adjudicated delinquent for an offense and required by state or federal law to provide a DNA sample for analysis and databasing.116
3846542397Open Proficiency Testan exam process/instrument where the analyst is aware that the sample is a proficiency test.117
3846542398Operations Manuala document stating procedures and protocols dealing with the day118
3846542399Peeran individual having expertise in a specific functional area or discipline gained through documented training and experience.119
3846542400Performance Auditsthe review of laboratory administration, management, sections and/or analysts for compliance with policies, procedures, and operational effectiveness outlined in the ADFS Departmental Quality Manual.120
3846542401Policya guiding principle, operating practice, or plan of action governing decisions made on behalf of an organization.121
3846542402Populationthe totality of items or units of material under consideration.122
3846542403Principlea basic rule, assumption or quality; a fixed or predetermined policy or mode of action.123
3846542404Probabilitythe ratio of the number of outcomes in an exhaustive set of equally likely outcomes that produce a given event to the total number of possible outcomes.124
3846542405ProcedureAn established practice to be followed in performing a specified task or under specific circumstances.125
3846542406Process Developmentthe act of defining and describing a process. It may include planning, architecture, design, implementation, and validation.126
3846542407Proficiency Testa process to evaluate the competence of an analyst/laboratory by evaluation of the results obtained on test materials. Involves the use of open, blind, reexamination, or known sample techniques.127
3846542408Property Inventorythe physical accounting of capital equipment.128
3846542409Protocola directive listing the procedures to be followed in performing a particular laboratory examination or operation. Also refers to the overall plan for analysis of a particular type of evidence.129
3846542410Postmortemafter death130
3846542411Proper seala seal that prevents loss, cross131
3846542412Pulmonary Edemaan abnormal buildup of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs.132
3846542413Qualifying Testmeasures proficiency in both technical skills and knowledge. Also known as Competency Test.133
3846542414Qualitythe degree of excellence achieved by laboratory through its work product.134
3846542415Quality Assessmentthe overall system of activities designed to provide assurance that quality control activities are effective.135
3846542416Quality Assurancethose planned and systematic actions necessary to provide sufficient confidence that a laboratory's product or service will satisfy given requirements for quality.136
3846542417Quality Audita management tool used to evaluate and confirm activities related to quality.137
3846542418Quality Controlinternal activities, or activities conducted according to externally established standards, used to monitor the quality of analytical data and to ensure that it satisfies specified criteria.138
3846542419Quality Manuala document stating the quality policy and describing the various elements of the quality system and quality practices of the laboratory system. The Forensic Science Quality Manual is the "ADFS Departmental Quality Manual".139
3846542420Quality Managerthe individual designated by top management having authority and responsibility to ensure that the requirements of the ADFS quality system are implemented and maintained.140
3846542421Quality Systemthe organizational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes, and resources for implementing quality management141
3846542422Qualitative analysisdetermination of the identity of a substance.142
3846542423Random1) having no specific pattern 2) produced by chance or unplanned in nature143
3846542424Reliabilitythe extent to which an experiment, test or measuring procedure yields the same the same results on repeated trials.144
3846542425Reagenta substance that, because of the reactions it causes, is used in analysis and synthesis.145
3846542426Reagent blank controlan analytical control sample that contains no template DNA and is used to monitor contamination from extraction to final fragment or sequence analysis. This control is treated the same as, and parallel to, the database, known, or casework reference samples being analyzed.146
3846542427ReExamination Technique147
3846542428Reference Standarda sample acquired or prepared that has known properties for the purpose of calibrating equipment and/or for use as a control in experiments148
3846542429Reliabilitythe quality of being dependable. May refer to personnel, materials, reagents, methods, and equipment.149
3846542430Retinal HemorrhageAbnormal bleeding of the blood vessels in the retina, the membrane in the back of the eye.150
3846542431Rigor mortisStiffening of the body after death; a time dependent change that helps determine time of death.151
3846542432Root Cause Analysisthe process of determining the underlying cause of a problem which might warrant corrective action. A root cause analysis is not a simple re152
3846542433Reportan official record of information relating to investigations and analyses conducted by ADFS or other parties. Reports are generated for casework and proficiency testing examinations. Casework reports are normally generated using the LIMS format, while proficiency test reports may be prepared and distributed according to policies set by individual ADFS disciplines.153
3846542434Rulean authoritative direction for conduct or procedure.154
3846542435Safety & Security Inspectionsthe review or audit of procedures and equipment to ensure the safety and security of laboratory personnel and facilities155
3846542436Scenean area, object, or person external to the examining forensic laboratory facility, from which evidence is identified, documented, collected, and/or interpreted.156
3846542437ScienceA systematic gathering of knowledge. The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation and the theoretical explanation of phenomena.157
3846542438Scientific methodProcedures for the systematic gathering of knowledge. These procedures generally involve:158
3846542439state the problem..159
3846542440develop a hypothesis160
3846542441test the hypothesis161
3846542445ScientistOne learned in science and esp. natural science.162
3846542446Section Evidence Areaa secured room or cabinet for temporary storage of evidence by analysts.163
3846542447Secure areaa locked space (for example, cabinet, vault or room) with access restricted to personnel authorized by the laboratory director.164
3846542448Seminalpertaining to or containing or consisting of semen; "seminal fluid".165
3846542449Serologya sub166
3846542450Solventsliquids, usually petroleum based, that can dissolve solids and keep them in solution. May contribute to pollution through evaporation.167
3846542451Spatterdispersion of small blood droplets due to the forceful projection of blood.168
3846542452Standarda statement that describes an acceptable level of performance, excellence, or attainment in that particular activity.169
3846542453StipplingA disposition of fragments of powder into the skin as the result of a gunshot wound of relatively close range.170
3846542454Subarachnoid hemorrhagebleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain.171
3846542455Subdural hematomaA collection of blood on the surface of the brain.172
3846542456Submissionany single delivery of evidence in a specific investigation.173
3846542457Submitting Agencyany agency that submits evidence for examination to any ADFS office. Also referred to as the "Contributing Agency, Contributor, or Customer".174
3846542458Supervised Caseworkanalysis performed by a member under the supervision of a certified analyst. This is generally performed as part of training or as part of an assessment of an experienced analyst.175
3846542459Technical Casework Reviewthe detailed technical review of bench notes, data, observations and analytical results that form the basis for the scientific conclusion(s).176
3846542460Technical Operations Manualprotocols developed for analyses, examination, comparison, or identification that prescribes the Good Analytical Practice in a discipline.177
3846542461Technical Operationslaboratory activities specific to a discipline directly related to the analysis or examination of evidence for the purpose of providing information in a laboratory report, whether verbal or written.178
3846542462Testableto be proven true or false.179
3846542463Testabilitya critical evaluation process that supports or refutes a hypothesis.180
3846542464Testimony Reviewthe observation, evaluation, and feedback from the sworn testimony given by a staff member as part of his/her normal job duties. Also may be a reviewed by an officer of the court.181
3846542465Traceabilitythe property of a result of a measurement whereby it can be related to appropriate standards, generally international or national standards, through an unbroken chain of comparisons.182
3846542466Theoreman idea accepted or proposed as demonstrable truth; often as part of a general theory.183
3846542467Theorymost logical explanation of an event that occurs in nature.184
3846542468Tissuea part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function.185
3846542469Tomographythe technique of obtaining an X186
3846542470Toxicology (forensic science discipline)analysis of biological samples for the presence of drugs and other potentially toxic materials.187
3846542471Trace Evidenceany analytical procedure utilizing either chemical or instrumental techniques not specifically covered in other forensic disciplines.188
3846542472Training Programa written description of activities to be performed by a trainee status member of the Forensic Laboratory for the purpose of enhancing job189
3846542473Traumaa physical injury or wound caused by an external force of violence, which may cause death or permanent disability. Trauma is also used to describe severe emotional or psychological shock or distress.190
3846542474Turnaround Timethe total time a Service Request is in the laboratory, from its receipt at Evidence Intake until a formal report is issued191
3846542475Universal Precautionsan approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for blood borne pathogens.192
3846542476Validationis the process of performing a set of experiments that establish the efficacy and reliability of a technique or procedure or modification thereof. Validation includes specification of the requirements, determination of the characteristics of the methods, a check that the requirements can be fulfilled by using the method and a statement on the validity.193
3846542477VerificationTo confirm the truth or correctness of something. Vitreous humor194

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