Non-evasive autopsy method to be adopted by Dubai Police

A non-invasive method of autopsy, called Virtopsy, uses scanning and imaging technology.

DUBAI // Dubai Police is planning to adopt a non-invasive way of conducting post-mortem examinations, a forensics expert says.

Dr Fuad Tarbah, senior toxicologist at the police’s Forensic Science and Criminology Department, said delegates to a congress would today learn about Virtopsy, a method of virtual autopsy using scanning and imaging.

“This is one of the more modern methods to conduct an autopsy that Dubai Police intends to adopt in the future,” Dr Tarbah told the Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine.

“It is just as effective and a good way to replace a traditional autopsy, which requires the body to be cut – something that doesn’t sit well with many people in this region.

“We are always looking for ways to improve and stay up-to-date with the latest technology.”

IALM 2015, which started yesterday at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is considered one of the largest events specialising in forensic medicine and sciences, and medical jurisprudence.

This is the first time the congress has been held in the Mena region.

More than 1,700 participants from 55 countries are attending.

“Organising the 23rd Congress of the International Academy of Legal Medicine in the emirate of Dubai is a step that complements Dubai’s strive for excellence, creativity and innovation,” said police chief Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzeina.

“The congress is also an excellent opportunity to meet up with experts and specialists in legal medicine and forensic sciences.”