Medical Implants and ID

In my day to day I see what remains at the end. In many sad cases of a John or Jane Doe it's often just a small box with an assortment of bones.

Often though...you will find medical implants and devices. Dentures and other dental work, glasses, plates, screws -- even breast implants. One might think these items will present an immediate clue leading to an identification. Not always.

A Jane Doe found in Washington State had a copper intrauterine device as a method of birth control. All attempts to trace this device from manufacturer to medical provider failed. The trail hit a dead end due to lack of tracking.

One might ask the medical provider if they can record the serial number for reference in case something goes wrong somewhere in life. Might seem strange to think of something like that while facing a surgical procedure. But it happens.

But even if the medical provider records the data in their office, that's no promise that it will route any further than that office. I'm not sure of the recording requirements or record retention. But I am sure that medical implants often do not have enough information to trace back to make an identification.

The simplest solution I can imagine would be to ask that any implants have a simple engraving of your name or initials. Why not? We often get our initials on towels, golf bags and other personal items. So why not a medical implant? Can't get much more personal than that.

Of course in a medical emergency you won't have the options to make this request. But if you are about to undergo an elective procedure that involves an implanted medical device, ask about the traceability of the implant and the possibility of personalization.

You might get a strange stare at first, but it makes sense to ask such a question. You will certainly pay enough for that device to merit a little extra tender loving care.

Might be kinda cool to have your initials on a knee replacement. Sure sounds cool to me in my world of crime, clue and ID. Nothing like having the last word.