American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

When identifying an unidentified body, what is considered the second best form of identification after fingerprints?

1. unique markings on the body, such as a tattoo

2. physical description

3. analysis of the skeletal remains by a forensic anthropologist

4. comparison of radiographs

The correct answer is: comparison of radiographs

The second best form of identification after fingerprints is indeed the comparison of radiographs. This method is highly valuable because radiographs (X-rays) provide a unique representation of an individual's skeletal structure, including specific features such as bone density, shape, and the presence of any anomalies or previous injuries. These characteristics can be compared with the existing medical records or dental history of an individual, aiding greatly in identification. While other methods such as analysis of unique markings, physical descriptions, or forensic anthropological evaluations provide useful information, they are generally less definitive than radiographic comparisons. Unique markings like tattoos can be obscured or altered over time, and physical descriptions can be subjective and potentially inaccurate. Similarly, while a forensic anthropologist's analysis of skeletal remains can be quite informative, it often serves as an adjunct to radiographic evidence, which offers a more direct visual comparison to known data about the individual being identified. Thus, making radiographs the second most reliable form of identification after fingerprints aligns with established forensic identification techniques.