dental identification in multiple Fatality incidents 259instead allows immediate images for viewing and comparison. Details on
digital radiography are discussed in Chapter 10 of this book. Digital images
have been accepted as evidence in state and federal courts. Digital imaging
requires imaging software to capture, enhance, and store the images. The
DEXIS™ digital radiography system has been used in mass disaster situa-
tions since the late 1990s. The system captures the radiographic image from
a wired sensor and stores these images for viewing. DEXIS software can also
capture and store photographic images.
A working relationship has been established to allow the WinID identi-
fication program and the DEXIS dental digital radiography system to work
together seamlessly. This relationship allows WinID to create antemortem and
post mor tem record s wh i le ensu r i ng u n ique nu mber a s sig n ment s. Wi n I D t hen,
in turn, assigns the corresponding case number to the digital image file and
allows all the digital images (radiographic and photographic) to be captured
and stored for retrieval and review anytime the case is being viewed in the
WinID program. Dexis also creates a screening image to be used by WinID
for initial radiological review of case comparisons. What this means in the
field is that duplicate numbers are prevented by WinID before they can ever
be introduced to the operations data. It has also been seen that this setup com-
bined with three dental postmortem bays can handle large numbers of cases
in each twelve-hour shift. This system prevents past bottlenecks in the dental
identification morgue when conventional film radiography and paper records
would invariably impede the flow. Dual-screen computer technology that
enables gurney-side and computer input team members to view the informa-
tion simultaneously is already possible and has been tested in the laboratory.
WinID uses a Microsoft Access database. This allows the mail merge
features of Microsoft Word to be used to create a range of reports that may be
needed by local authorities or other groups. The final records from an opera-
tion in the form of a database can be given to the responsible representative of
the agency in charge of the operation in digital form for their use or retrieval
at a later date. This will also allow for additional records to be added by the
local authorities in charge of postaction operations. All the dental records,
digital images, and digital radiographs from the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
response were contained in 20 gigabytes of information and presented to the
Louisiana authorities in a removable computer drive. No paper postmortem
records were created or stored from that operation. All antemortem records
were scanned into digital form and then were sealed and boxed for storage.
The keyword in digital imaging and record keeping is backup. Be sure
the system backs up regularly and gives a dependable and accessible backup
copy of the data. Check frequently to ensure the backup will work to restore
the information in case the system fails. Many backup systems are available.
Choose one before an actual disaster occurs.