Article: Tulsa World, Okla., Action Line column: Crash probes a victim of M.E. money woes.(Column)

Byline: Phil Mulkins

Sep. 1--Dear Action Line: Regarding a recent fatal accident, the newspaper story said troopers smelled alcohol on the driver's breath and ordered a blood test. Then it said test results won't be known for five months. Why will it take so long? Hospital blood tests take just a few days. -- R.J., Tulsa.

This is a problem of state funding and our inability to attract and hold qualified pathologists for the state Medical Examiner's Office -- the forensics lab that tests crime-related blood samples.

An office funding crisis is causing a pathologist shortage that the office says the Legislature is to blame for.

A backlog ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!