When is it appropriate to wash remains?

Washing remains is considered inappropriate practice in forensic contexts because it can compromise critical evidence. The integrity of remains is crucial for forensic investigation, as washing can remove or alter important details such as DNA, trace evidence, and other potential clues that could assist in identifying the individual or determining the cause of death. Additionally, remains might have associated evidence that is physically or chemically altered by the washing process, which can hinder any subsequent investigations.

In criminal investigations, maintaining the original state of the evidence is vital for ensuring that any findings from the remains are valid and reliable. Therefore, it is essential for professionals to refrain from washing remains under any circumstances to uphold the integrity of the evidence for legal proceedings or identification purposes.