- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Medical and Autopsy Procedures
Home > Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles > Microscopic Marks > Medical and Autopsy Procedures
When a bullet is recovered from a living victim, it may bear additional microscopic marks that are caused by the actions of medical staff providing care (e.g., forcep impressions on the bearing surface). These marks may alter or obliterate the marks that occurred during firing.
Medical staff should make every effort to preserve the condition of evidence bullets recovered during autopsies. This can be reinforced through training and communication between medical examiners and forensic firearm examiners.
