Often bodies are unrecognizable due to decomposition and a positive identification becomes challenging.  In such cases, the OCME uses fingerprinting, correct and precise descriptions of specific individual features such as tattoos, post-mortem x-ray comparisons, dental examinations and comparisons and DNA analysis. The OCME bears the costs of examinations, comparisons and analyses pertaining to positive identification of a decedent. These procedures are lengthy and may require ante mortem data for comparison, or procurement of specimens from living family members.  Though rare, there are cases in which positive identification cannot be made and a body has to be released as a presumed identification.