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Stable isotope analysis and forensic pathology

An overview of the role of stable isotope analysis and the benefits the technology has to offer to the forensic pathologist.

The work of forensic pathologists serves many purposes, but ultimately the most important of these is to uncover the truth. Whether identifying a body or determining a cause of death, forensic pathology plays a key role in providing legal and medical authorities with the information they need to make educated decisions.

                However, sometimes even accurate facts do not tell the whole story. A single observation about a specific injury, disease or pathological process will not be enough to determine the manner of a death, or paint a complete picture of the circumstances and events that pathologists are looking to clarify. This is why professionals in this field rely on advanced technologies to help them go deeper and identify more subtle details that will help them reach more comprehensive and definitive conclusions.

                Of these tools, stable isotope analysis is not always the most commonly discussed, but this technique can play a pivotal and indispensable role in aiding coroners and crime laboratories to make the right decisions. At a time when forensic pathologists are seeing a greater impetus than ever to deliver their best work as efficiently as possible, the insights these instruments provide have arguably never been more important. 

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Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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