As we mentioned before, clinical forensic medicine is a component of forensic medicine that is intented to alive victims. So, it analyzes mainly victims of crimes against physical integrity (aggression), sexual crimes and abuse.
The techniques related to clinical forensic medicine, are done in two different places: in the surgery and in the laboratory.
In the surgery…
Here, the doctor adopts a different procedure depending on the crime. But, in general, he always follow two activities: observation of injuries and collection of traces.
- Observation of injuries:
In this phase the doctor examines injuries. This process may have 3 levels of accuracy depending on the case. In this review the doctor should considerer aspects such as: posture and displacement; communication; control of sphincters; senses and perception; mastication and intake; phenomenons of pain...
The review includes the following areas: skull, face, neck, spine and cord, chest, abdomen, upper and lower limbs.
Here are some of the scenarios that the doctor can find:
On the left you can see is a recent ecchymosis, in the right a old ecchymosis and down a burning caused by acid .
To examine the interior of the body, it is necessary to ask for another kind of examinations, such as x rays or scans. Other professionals are needed to make this medicals.
- Collection of traces:
The collection of substances is needed because of the effectuation of the following tests:
- Examination of carnal conjunction - to situations of sexual abuse involving the relationship penis-vagina. There is collection of semen.
- Examination of carnal conjunction - to situations of sexual abuse involving the relationship penis-vagina. There is collection of semen.- Examination of alcohol content - to identify the quantity of alcohol. There is collection blood or urine.
- Toxicological examination - to detect certain psychotropic substances. There is collection of urine or, preferably, blood.
Naturally, all traces collected should be carefully preserved.
In the laboratory… 
The tests made in this place are not made by doctors but by specialists of more specific areas. However, the test results are received and analyzed by a technical of clinical forensic medicine In the next months we are going to post information about some of these specialties.
Soon we are going to post the methodologies used in tanatology. You can't miss it!
Written by: Vera Gonçalves
Translated by: Vera Gonçalves
Sources:http://www.inml.mj.pt/
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/1696/atlas.html
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