A simplified and inexpensive method for the preparation of fresh or fixed bone samples for forensic histological examination

ABSTRACT

The histological analysis of bone for forensic application requires thin sections to be prepared from extracted bone of suitable quality for visualization through conventional light microscopy and (if required) the measurement of microstructural features, such as osteons. While a number of protocols for the preparation of thin sections exist, they are often time consuming and complex, or require expensive and non-portable equipment. A revised protocol is presented for obtaining high quality thin sections for light microscopy and histological analyses, tested in fresh, fixed, and dry archaeological cortical bone. It does not require extensive experience, or expensive materials or equipment, and can be further adapted for use with manual tools if necessary.

KEYWORDS:

• Forensic histology
• thin section
• cortical bone
• forensic anthropology

Acknowledgements

Mr Frank Nemeth (School of Earth Science, UWA) for his advice regarding preparation of petrographic sections.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and a 2018 ANZFSS Symposium Award.