High-tech X-ray equipment purchase aids Kane County Coroner in death investigations

KANE COUNTY – A new high-tech X-ray device has recently been purchased by the Kane County Coroner’s Office to reduce costs and, in certain cases, offset the need for a full post mortem exam.

According to the Kane County Coroner’s Office, 330 autopsies were completed in the county last year alone.

In the past, if an X-ray was necessary, the office had to transport the body to the local hospital, had to pay a fee to use the X-ray equipment, and pay an additional fee for a certified technician to operate it.

“Having the X-ray equipment in-house lets us operate more efficiently and frees up the hospital technician for medical issues involving the living,” said Kane County Coroner Rob Russell in a press release statement.

The addition of the X-ray machine will assist the Kane County Coroner’s Office in screening a body for broken bones to determine abuse, finding the exact locations of a bullet in a gunshot victim, or cuts from wounds suffered by a stabbing victim.

Russell explained that in some cases, a more extensive post mortem examination could be avoided as in the case of COVID death.

COVID deaths typically reveal an image referred to as ‘ground glass’ inside the lungs. The term refers to the hazy, white-flecked pattern often seen on lung CT scans that can be an indication of diseased lungs.

“By using the X-ray equipment on-site, we limit the time grieving individuals need to spend interacting with our office,” said Russell.

Kane County paid $140,000 for the new X-ray equipment.

The Coroner’s office stated that in 2021, staff moved from what has been called “one of the worst facilities in the state,” to “one of the best.”

The new 11,000 square foot facility has allowed the coroner to expand refrigerator and freeze storage, build a larger and more technically advanced autopsy room, have new office space for staff, along with other amenities for the people who work inside the coroner’s office.

“We are committed to taking good care of the individuals that come into our facility. We are committed to expedite our process so that families can choose a funeral home and start the process of saying goodbye as quickly as possible,” said Russell. “Where an identification is required, our office has dedicated a quiet and respectful space for people to view and make a positive identification of their loved ones in peace.”

The mission of the Kane County Coroner’s Office is to determine the cause and manner of death; identify decedent; notify the next of kin, and assist survivors of the deceased with advocacy group referrals when appropriate.