Minimum time since death when the body has either reached or closely approximated equilibrium with ambient temperature.

Authors :: Potente S
Kettner M
Verhoff MA
Ishikawa T
Source :: Forensic science international [Forensic Sci Int] 2017 Dec; Vol. 281, pp. 63-66. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Oct 28.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: In temperature based death time estimation the construction of a death time interval using the conventional Nomogram method (NM) is not permissible for bodies in which rectal temperature (T <subscript>r</subscript> ) has reached or closely approximated equilibrium with ambient temperature (T <subscript>a</subscript> ). We provide a logic approach to compute a minimum time since death with high probability. We also provide a simple graphical solution to be used at the crime scene for preliminary estimation. Special attention is advised in regards to cases with T <subscript>a</subscript> >23°C as well as borderline cases. Proof by induction, application to test cases and one example of use are presented.<br /> (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Humans
Body Temperature
Nomograms
Postmortem Changes
Temperature

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