Comments on: “Burnt Beyond Recognition” http://www.coronerstories.com/2005/01/21/burnt-beyond-recognition/ The real-life world of death investigation. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:50:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: A Douglas http://www.coronerstories.com/2005/01/21/burnt-beyond-recognition/#comment-5 A Douglas Sun, 30 Jan 2005 18:31:34 +0000 /?p=13#comment-5 I worked one case in particular that took several months. It takes quite a bit of effort to extract DNA from someone's nearly cremated remains. It can take even more effort to locate immediate family members and obtain blood samples or buccal swabs, which themselves must be submitted and analyzed. Unless the department investigating the death is a "full-service" department like on television (most are not), the analysis itself is out-sourced to a state crime lab or a university. The fastest I have ever seen a DNA "turnaround" was still several weeks, and I believe a favor was called in on that one. Priority results for one agency may not necessarily be a priority for another agency. I generally give TV the benefit of the doubt. After all, they only have one hour to work with. Still, I can't help but laugh when the characters go to the morgue withing hours of the autopsy and the pathologist reports, "Test results indicated a large amount of Rohypnol in the bloodstream" of the deceased. Our toxicological testing typically takes anywhere from two to three months, and we do our own testing. Thanks for taking the time to comment and the kind words. A Douglas I worked one case in particular that took several months. It takes quite a bit of effort to extract DNA from someone’s nearly cremated remains. It can take even more effort to locate immediate family members and obtain blood samples or buccal swabs, which themselves must be submitted and analyzed. Unless the department investigating the death is a “full-service” department like on television (most are not), the analysis itself is out-sourced to a state crime lab or a university. The fastest I have ever seen a DNA “turnaround” was still several weeks, and I believe a favor was called in on that one. Priority results for one agency may not necessarily be a priority for another agency.

I generally give TV the benefit of the doubt. After all, they only have one hour to work with. Still, I can’t help but laugh when the characters go to the morgue withing hours of the autopsy and the pathologist reports, “Test results indicated a large amount of Rohypnol in the bloodstream” of the deceased. Our toxicological testing typically takes anywhere from two to three months, and we do our own testing.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and the kind words.

A Douglas

]]> By: Jaxine Daniels http://www.coronerstories.com/2005/01/21/burnt-beyond-recognition/#comment-3 Jaxine Daniels Sat, 29 Jan 2005 17:21:42 +0000 /?p=13#comment-3 Just wondering how long, typically, it takes to get back DNA test results. I'm constantly amazed at the "time differences" between Hollywood and real life. Pre-trial stuff takes months and months, not minutes. Test results come back in weeks or months instead of tv's hours. But, it does seem like there are times when DNA results are needed now. Is that even possible? I always smile at the "keep him on the line a few minutes longer so we can get the trace." I guess tv doesn't want bad guys to know that traces are done in seconds. Great website, by the way. jax Just wondering how long, typically, it takes to get back DNA test results. I’m constantly amazed at the “time differences” between Hollywood and real life. Pre-trial stuff takes months and months, not minutes. Test results come back in weeks or months instead of tv’s hours.

But, it does seem like there are times when DNA results are needed now. Is that even possible?

I always smile at the “keep him on the line a few minutes longer so we can get the trace.” I guess tv doesn’t want bad guys to know that traces are done in seconds.

Great website, by the way.

jax

]]>