Which combination of identifiers is commonly used to identify a deceased person?

Which combination of identifiers is commonly used to identify a deceased person?

• A. Only DNA
• B. Dental records, fingerprints, DNA
• C. Only fingerprints
• D. Dental records only

Answer: (B)

Combining dental records, fingerprints, and DNA provides multiple, independent lines of evidence to positively identify a deceased person. Dental records compare antemortem dental work, radiographs, and tooth morphology with the remains, which is especially powerful when the body is damaged but teeth survive. Fingerprints can yield quick identifications from skin impressions, but may not be available if tissue is degraded or damaged. DNA analysis offers a highly specific identifier even from small or degraded samples, and can resolve cases where dental or fingerprint data are missing or inconclusive. Relying on a single modality risks misidentification if that data are compromised, whereas using all three compensates for limitations and increases accuracy.

Combining dental records, fingerprints, and DNA provides multiple, independent lines of evidence to positively identify a deceased person. Dental records compare antemortem dental work, radiographs, and tooth morphology with the remains, which is especially powerful when the body is damaged but teeth survive. Fingerprints can yield quick identifications from skin impressions, but may not be available if tissue is degraded or damaged. DNA analysis offers a highly specific identifier even from small or degraded samples, and can resolve cases where dental or fingerprint data are missing or inconclusive. Relying on a single modality risks misidentification if that data are compromised, whereas using all three compensates for limitations and increases accuracy.