Bloodborne Pathogen Testing
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL:
During the course of his/her duties, an emergency first responder may become exposed to blood or other bodily fluids from a medical examiner’s case. In conjunction with their respective department’s exposure protocol, this office will conduct HIV & Hepatitis C testing on a decedent (exposure source) at the request of a health care provider currently treating the exposed personnel.
The request must be made on the department’s confidential “Request/Exposure Report” form. When this signed Request/Report form is returned to the Forensic Laboratories Division via email (laboratories@me.lacounty.gov ) , the decedent’s blood will be tested for HIV & Hepatitis C.
All results will be held in confidence by the Chief, Forensic Laboratories Division. HIV & Hepatitis C test results may only be released to the health care provider for the exposed emergency responder, or directly to the “designated officer” of the emergency responder’s department.
GOOD SAMARITANS:
The Department of Medical Examiner will honor a “Request/Exposure Report” form from a Good Samaritan who has been exposed to blood or other bodily fluids during lifesaving procedures provided to a decedent before their death.
Negative test results will be provided directly to the exposed individual.
Any positive test results will be referred to the County’s AIDS Program Office for notification to the exposed individual.
FAMILY MEMBERS :
A family member of the decedent may request an HIV & Hepatitis C test be performed. In this case, a letter of authorization signed by the next of kin is required.
Negative test results may be provided to the next of kin.
Any positive test results will be referred to the County’s AIDS Program Office for notification to the next of kin.
Glossary of Terms
Autopsy Also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy (particularly for non-human bodies), autopsia cadaverum, or obduction — is a highly specialized surgical procedure involving a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury present. It is usually performed by a specialized medical doctor called a forensic pathologist. Biological Specimens Blood, sections of organs, vitreous, bile, and urine. Cause of Death An injury or disease that ultimately leads to the death of the individual, determined by medical examiners in Los Angeles County. Certificate of Religious Belief In California, to execute a certificate of religious belief, a person must be 18 years of age or older and must state clearly that any postmortem anatomical dissection or specified procedures would violate their religious convictions. The certificate must be signed and dated in the presence of at least two witnesses, each of whom must also sign and print their name and residence address. California law allows the state to override religious objection if the medical examiner has reasonable suspicion that the death was caused by the criminal act of another or by a contagious disease constituting a public health hazard. Chain of Custody A method of keeping track of who has handled a piece of evidence and when. County Disposition The County of Los Angeles will cremate the remains of a decedent and hold the cremains (ashes) for about three years before interring them in a common gravesite at the Los Angeles County Cemetery. Decomposition The disintegration of body tissues after death. DME Department of Medical Examiner. Evidence Any physical items such as bullets, hairs, fibers, biological fluids, documents, statements, etc., included in a legal investigation for consideration by a jury or judge when determining an individual’s guilt or innocence. Forensic Pathologist A medical doctor specializing in forensic pathology who determines the cause of death by examining a corpse. Autopsies performed by forensic pathologists are usually done during investigations of criminal or, in some jurisdictions, civil law cases. Forensic Science The application of all forms of science to aid legal investigations. Indigency The lack of ability to pay, used as a legal reason for having certain required fees waived or being eligible for free services. Inquests A judicial or official inquiry to establish the facts of an unexplained, sudden, or violent death. Inquests include evidence gathering, witness testimony, and a public hearing to determine who, when, where, and how the death occurred, leading to cause and manner of death determinations and recommendations for prevention. Inquests are recorded as public record. Legal Next of Kin The nearest relative according to California State Law: spouse; if no spouse, then adult children; if none, surviving parents; or the closest blood relative, unless otherwise specified in a legal document. Manner of Death
How the death came about. Medical Examiner A medically qualified forensic pathologist and government official responsible for investigating deaths and injuries occurring under unusual or suspicious circumstances, performing post-mortem examinations, and initiating inquests in some jurisdictions. Medicolegal Autopsy A medicolegal autopsy is performed with the possibility of litigation in mind. It determines the cause of death, documents findings, and collects evidence. A key objective is reconstructing the events leading to death to establish a mode (natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined). It differs from a hospital autopsy, which focuses on confirming disease. Medicolegal autopsies emphasize external examinations and injury documentation; microscopic exams are done only when indicated. Information about identification, time of death, drug use, injury age, etc., is crucial and must be recorded clearly and objectively to remain interpretable for years. Toxicology Postmortem toxicology analyzes biological specimens collected at autopsy for the presence of drugs, toxins, and poisons to help determine the cause and manner of death.
