Medical Malpractice revealed, or, Legitimacy of records confirmed by Forensic Analysis... Please also see HOME PAGE of BLANCO & ASSOCIATES, Inc. If you suspect that a medical record has been altered, or if the chronology of entries is at issue, the following tests should be conducted: Non-destructive infrared examination of the inks to determine if a different writing instrument was later used to alter the original entry of i.e., blood pressure, or prescribed medications (see Figures 1 and 2 below). Infrared examination of entries suspected under obliterated areas to determine what they were. Latent handwriting examination of file documents in sequence to determine if they were in the alleged arrangement when entries were made. This test can prove details concerning chronology. Latent handwriting examination of file documents to determine if any pages have later been inserted into the file and/or if other pages have been removed. Examinations of folds, creases and staple/punch holes can also speak to the handling and history of the document. Initials, handwriting and hand printing (including numbers) can also be examined to determine whether or not they were made by a particular Nurse or Doctor. In Figure 1 below, the blood pressure reading appears to be "120/80" when viewed by the naked eye. Even though two different pens were used, the entire entry is in black ink. However in Figure 2, infrared examination reveals that the original entry was really "170/90". The black ink of the second pen glows white showing where the original entry was altered. FURTHER SIGNIFICANT EXAMINATIONS OF: Typewritten entries Photocopy processes Rubber stamp impressions Preprinted forms to insure continuity and authenticity email: Jim@JimBlanco.com PHONE (800) 778-4765