ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes means and methods of protecting the forensic examiner/assistant from contamination or infection emanating from a living or deceased individual. Every examinee should be considered potentially chemically, virally, or bacterially contaminated or infectious, particularly since the era of terrorism. There is also the possibility of radioisotope contamination from the use of a “dirty bomb.” The simple act of photographing or recording a person’s or body’s condition can lead to contamination issues. Airborne pathogens such as anthrax or those causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) can be transferred from examinee to equipment and, ultimately, be inhaled or absorbed by third parties. Hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other pathogenic diseases can be present with no obvious outward signs.
