Protocols for Unclaimed Bodies
Unclaimed body to be preserved for a minimum period of 72
hours after which it could be disposed. Normally, unclaimed dead bodies are
handed over to either Municipal Corporation or certain religious organization
to conduct the last rites.
In identified medico-legal cases, the
responsibility of establishing identify of the deceased is totally that of the
investigation officer conducting inquest, usually in such cases photographs and
fingerprints are taken, which help in identity establishment even at a later
stage.
Clothing and belongings are preserved as they also
help in identification of deceased in many situations. In medico-legal cases
they are preserved by investigating officer, while in non-medical legal cases
they are preserved by hospital authorities.
An unclaimed dead body can be handed over to a Medical College/Anatomy department for teaching purpose under the Anatomy act, by the hospital authorities.
1. Protective clothing for staff:- Mortuary staff to be provided with protective clothing like gloves, grown boots, etc., While handling dead bodies, universal precautions and maintaining cleanliness are the two important aspect to be followed.
2. Medical checkup up to staff:- In addition to universal precautions while handling dead bodies, all the mortuary worker studies screened for pulmonary tuberculosis periodically. The workers should be vaccinated against rabies and hepatitis B.
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| Protocols for Unclaimed Bodies |
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