PM formation of alcohol Flashcards
Can decomposing tissue produce EToh
Yes
First observed in early 1950s
Ethyl alcohol found as product of putrefaction in several cases
Could not have been from ante-mortem consumption Corry, J
However thought not to exceed 0.05g%
Is Pm etOh identical to bevarge
YES
Factors that affect rate of putrefaction
Ambient temperature
Humidity
Distribution and type of microorganisms
Microorganism
58 species of bacteria
17 species of yeasts
24 species of mold
That can produce ethyl alcohol under a variety of conditions
What is the greattedt microoragsims
Originally thought yeast Candida albicans was the primary organism, but the greatest increase observed was the result of Escherichia coli and not yeast
When can bacteria pentreate intestinal wall
Distributed through the bloodstream via the hepatic portal vein and intestinal lymph system as long as the
Body temperature exceeds 5 °C
How can microbial contamination be prevented
Refrigeration of body within 4 hours of death
Preserve specimens with 1% NaF after autopsy inhibits ethyl alcohol production by most organisms
Except C. albicans
what are some endogenous ethyl alcohol production results of microbial activity on
Glucose
Lactate
Glycerol
Amino acids
Will all microorganisms form ethyl alcohol
no
What is thje primary source of endogenous EtOH
Glucose
What tissue is high in glucose storage and the site of the greatest production
Liver
Skeletal muscles
Lungs
Heart
What is considered an ideal specimen for alcohol analysis
Vitreous humor
Why is vitreous humor ideal
Reflects antemortem ethyl alcohol concentration
Contains no glucose or microorganism
Protected from trauma and putrefaction
WHat is a poor medium for microbial ethyl alcohol
Urine except in diabetics
Case studies PM formation
12-57% of ethyl alcohol-positive cases was attributed to postmortem synthesis
Majority of cases attributed to postmortem synthesis did not have significant ethyl alcohol concentrations [<0.07 g%]