FAQ - Unit of Forensic Imaging and Anthropology (UIAF)

In which cases are imaging examinations performed?

All bodies arriving at the CURML get a CT scan. The medical examiner then decides on a case-by-case basis if a post-mortem angiography is necessary. Eligible cases for angiography are generally: suspected medical errors or postoperative deaths, homicides/suicides with stab wounds or firearms, traffic accidents, natural deaths of cardiovascular origin, ...

In which cases a surface scan is performed?

At the request of the prosecutor or when the 3D specialist recognizes the interest of a three-dimensional documentation of a lesion from a forensic point of view. For example: traffic accident, homicide, personal injury with shaped lesions...

What are the clinical cases?

These are victims of assault or abuse, for whom the imaging examinations performed at the hospital are re-examined by forensic physicians and radiologists in order to re-read the images with a forensic interpretation (answering specific questions, such as the depth/trajectory of a wound), to detect possible lesions and determine their cause or mechanism.

What is a radiographer?

Radiographer: a specialist in radiological imaging and responsible for the quality of the performed examinations (standard radiography, CT-Scanner or MRI).

How to become forensic radiographer ?

Training as a clinical radiographer is a prerequisite. An interest in forensic science is essential. There is no specific training in forensic radiographer, however an SEMP (Swiss-Exchange Mobility Program) module is offered at the HESAV (Haute Ecole de Santé Vaud).

In which cases are forensic anthropology examinations performed?

The prosecutor, with the advice of the medical examiner, decides if an anthropological examination is necessary. Eligible cases are generally: identifications of bone remains and reconstructions of bone trauma

How do I get an internship at UIAF?

International radiographer students, physicians or postgraduate anthropology students with an interest in forensic imaging, as well as forensic physicians, radiologists, anthropologists or clinical radiographer, may apply for an internship at: melissa.jotterand@chuv.ch.

Please note that internships are unpaid.