Estimation of the time since death in the early post-mortem period

Post-Mortem Estimation of Time of Death of Dogs Based on Measurements of Kidney Temperature in Comparison with Rectal Temperature

“…The least precise methods include those evaluating the level of chlorides in the blood plasma, the potassium concentration in the vitreous body of the eye, or examination of the cerebrospinal fl uid and synovial fl uid [20,21]. Methods based on analysis body cooling, involving measurement of the temperature in various parts of the body (temperature-based methods) are considered to be more precise than methods based on evaluation of post-mortem changes taking place in the body, particularly in the initial period after death (up to about 20 h) [22,23]. The fi rst scientifi c reports regarding the decline in body temperature after death date back to the 19th century, and the fi rst of these was a study by Rainy in 1868.…”

“…Here we have presented a simplifi ed method for determining the cooling coeffi cient, where statistical values were determined for the deviation between the calculated and actual time of death in the cooling process in standardized conditions. Suitable nomograms (Figure 5), have now been developed which have broad applications and allow time of death to be easily determined and not only estimated [25,26]. The bi-exponential model fi nds application, for example, in cases of a single temperature measurement in the rectum, taking into account the ambient temperature in standardized cooling conditions.…”

Enhancement of Newton Law of Cooling Method based on Asante’s Algorithm with Henssge Nomogram Method in Estimating the Time of Death

“…Asante's algorithm will be combining with Henssge nomogram corrective factors [12] to increase its sensitivity towards estimating the time of death. The corrective factors can be seen as in Table II: V. RESULT AND DISCUSSION Asante's algorithm had provided some result regarding the analysis of time of death.…”

Timing: the Achilles heel of forensic pathology

“…This is followed by autolysis, putrefaction, and skeletonization, sometimes with additional processes such as adipocere formation [4]. Despite apparently precise scientific methods to date post-mortem interval being developed that are based on comparisons between core body and environmental temperatures [5], it is well recognized that these are frequently confounded by variation in body size and fat content, the wetness of the body, the amount of clothing or bedding, changes in the ambient temperature, disturbance of the scene, and the presence of strong air currents/winds. Post-mortem changes such as putrefaction and skeletonization also cannot be relied upon to indicate consistent time frames as they may be greatly accelerated by environmental factors such as high ambient temperatures, or by endogenous infectious or metabolic conditions [6,7].…”