161. Considerable experience is required to understand what questions can properly be answered by imaging techniques alone without the support of traditional autopsy. The images are quite different from naked-eye images, and overlap only to some degree the information obtained by traditional autopsy. Body samples are still needed for all forms of post-mortem testing (e.g. toxicology, histology, microbiology). Thus, while information is available from scanning the body that is sometimes not available from an autopsy, this information supplements and does not replace the information available from the autopsy. 162. In some cases, findings from scanning considered together with the deceased’s medical history, information about the circumstances of the death, and an external examination of the dead body, may be sufficient for trained and experienced forensic doctors to reach reasonable conclusions about a death. In a potentially unlawful death, it is not likely that such conclusions will suffice to meet all the aims of the death investigation set out in Paragraph 25. As mentioned in the Section of the Detailed Guidelines on Autopsy that addresses the post-mortem detection of torture, cross-sectional scanning techniques may be particularly helpful in the detection of some forms of torture. 163. If the technology of cross-sectional and threedimensional imaging is to be relied upon to fulfil the aims set out in Paragraph 25, and a decision is then made to have no autopsy, this approach should be fully justified and the reasons for it documented. H. Analysis of Skeletal Remains 164. The analysis of skeletal remains usually follows the same principles and objectives as in the case of a fresh body: dignified management of the bodily remains; identification of the remains; assessing the cause and manner of death and, using archaeological dating methods, the time since death; and contributing to the reconstruction of the circumstances surrounding the death. 165. Recently deceased, partially skeletonized or completely skeletonized bodies require an interdisciplinary approach. The forensic doctor responsible for the case has to work in cooperation with other specialists. In the case of skeletal remains, this requires a forensic anthropologist. Forensic anthropology is the application of physical anthropological theory and methods, in particular those relating to the recovery and analysis of human remains, to resolve legal matters. The forensic anthropologist assists the forensic doctor in assessing skeletal traits for the purpose of identification or to find and interpret signs of pathology and trauma. The forensic anthropologist may also collaborate with the forensic doctor in coming to conclusions about the cause and manner of death and, using archaeological dating methods, the time since death. 166. Further guidance is set out in the Detailed Guidelines on Analysis of Skeletal Remains. 29