Final answer:
In the aftermath of a traffic accident resulting in death, contacting the hospital lab to obtain specimens is the correct step. O-negative blood is transfused in emergencies where the blood type cannot be determined. This forensic investigation is a vital collaboration between law enforcement and medical professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Forensic Pathology Considerations After a Traffic Accident:
Following a traffic accident in which the victim, the driver at fault, dies three days later in the hospital, it is important to determine whether any substances contributed to the accident. Since toxicology testing on specimens collected at autopsy will not represent substances present at the time of the crash, the correct course of action is to contact the hospital lab to obtain all remaining specimens collected in the Emergency Department from after the crash. These specimens are crucial for the forensic pathology investigation to determine if the driver was under the influence during the incident. A thorough investigation requires analyzing specimens that are as close in time to the event as possible to provide accurate and relevant evidence.
In a fast-paced medical emergency following a motor vehicle accident where the patient's blood type cannot be determined, O-negative blood is usually transfused as it is considered the universal donor type and poses the least risk of an adverse reaction. This type of blood lacks both A and B antigens and the Rh factor, thereby reducing the chances of an immune response from the recipient.
To conclude, it is crucial for the investigative team, which includes law enforcement and medical examiners, to work together to gather all pertinent evidence following an accident, especially when the cause of the incident and subsequent death must be thoroughly understood. This could involve a careful collection of hospital specimens, as well as detailed analysis aligning with the practices of forensic pathology and toxicology.