POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF OPERATING ROOM PHOTOGRAPHS TECHNICAL NOTE ROBERT RASKIND, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.A.
We have, at times, experienced some difficulties in the identification as well the orientation, both spatial and sequential, of photographs made at the operating table. The admissibility of such photographs as evidence has been challenged on the basis of the method of identification. During the past twenty years, the system described below, with several minor variations has proved to be very successful in overcoming the difficulties. It is simple, inexpensive and not time consuming. as
METHOD
The name of the patient, along with the chart number, if desired and the number of the photograph, in sequence, is typed on a standard three by five inch library card. It is well to have the name and the sequence number typed
FIG. 1. Card with typewritten name, chart number and sequence number ruler.
along
with metal
From the Dept. of Neurosurgery, Kern General Hospital, Bakersfield, California 93305. Address for reprints: Robert Raskind, M.D., Kern General Hospital, 1830 Flower Street, Bakersfield, California 93305. 34
Downloaded from ves.sagepub.com at Bobst Library, New York University on June 19, 2015
35
for each of the proposed photographs. This card along with a metal ruler is then sterilized with the instrument pack; either gas or steam sterilization may be used. (Fig. 1) When a photograph is desired at the operative site, the name and number is cut from the card with suture scissors and attached to the ruler with bone wax. (Fig. 2) The ruler with name is then placed into an appropriate spot in the operative field and the photograph made. Photographers find the ruler very convenient for focusing and centering the camera. An example of such a photograph is seen in Fig. 3. If a reproduction of a particular print is
FIG. 2. Name, chart number and sequence number have been cut from the card and attached to the ruler with bone
wax.
--
FIG. 3.
Operative photograph with identification. hemorrhage through a burr hole.
-
The
aspiration of
an
*
infantile intracranial
Downloaded from ves.sagepub.com at Bobst Library, New York University on June 19, 2015
36 needed without identification for purposes of publication or lecture, a small piece of masking tape is applied over portion of the negative showing the name (on the side NOT covered with the emulsion) and the routine printing carried out. The masking tape can then be removed without damage to the negative. During the period of use of this system, there have been no photographs of operative sites which could not be readily identified and oriented as to position and sequence. On several occasions, these have been presented in court in both slide and print form with ready acceptance. Robert Raskind, M.D. Kern General Hospital 1830 Flower Street Bakersfield, Calif. 93305
Downloaded from ves.sagepub.com at Bobst Library, New York University on June 19, 2015
We have, at times, experienced some difficulties in the identification as well the orientation, both spatial and sequential, of photographs made at the operating table. The admissibility of such photographs as evidence has been challenged on the basis of the method of identification. During the past twenty years, the system described below, with several minor variations has proved to be very successful in overcoming the difficulties. It is simple, inexpensive and not time consuming. as
METHOD
The name of the patient, along with the chart number, if desired and the number of the photograph, in sequence, is typed on a standard three by five inch library card. It is well to have the name and the sequence number typed
FIG. 1. Card with typewritten name, chart number and sequence number ruler.
along
with metal
From the Dept. of Neurosurgery, Kern General Hospital, Bakersfield, California 93305. Address for reprints: Robert Raskind, M.D., Kern General Hospital, 1830 Flower Street, Bakersfield, California 93305. 34
Downloaded from ves.sagepub.com at Bobst Library, New York University on June 19, 2015
35
for each of the proposed photographs. This card along with a metal ruler is then sterilized with the instrument pack; either gas or steam sterilization may be used. (Fig. 1) When a photograph is desired at the operative site, the name and number is cut from the card with suture scissors and attached to the ruler with bone wax. (Fig. 2) The ruler with name is then placed into an appropriate spot in the operative field and the photograph made. Photographers find the ruler very convenient for focusing and centering the camera. An example of such a photograph is seen in Fig. 3. If a reproduction of a particular print is
FIG. 2. Name, chart number and sequence number have been cut from the card and attached to the ruler with bone
wax.
--
FIG. 3.
Operative photograph with identification. hemorrhage through a burr hole.
-
The
aspiration of
an
*
infantile intracranial
Downloaded from ves.sagepub.com at Bobst Library, New York University on June 19, 2015
36 needed without identification for purposes of publication or lecture, a small piece of masking tape is applied over portion of the negative showing the name (on the side NOT covered with the emulsion) and the routine printing carried out. The masking tape can then be removed without damage to the negative. During the period of use of this system, there have been no photographs of operative sites which could not be readily identified and oriented as to position and sequence. On several occasions, these have been presented in court in both slide and print form with ready acceptance. Robert Raskind, M.D. Kern General Hospital 1830 Flower Street Bakersfield, Calif. 93305
Downloaded from ves.sagepub.com at Bobst Library, New York University on June 19, 2015
