Time of death

Question 1

Algor mortis (body cooling)

Answer 1

The assessment is made on the basis of measurement of the body core temperatures

Temp is measured per rectum

Oral and axillary temps should not be used

Question 2

Body cooling

Answer 2

Most useful single indicator of the TOD in first 24 hrs

Use of this method is only possible in cool and temperate climate (Not tropical)

Heat production ceases after death, the body cools

Normal oral temp between 35.9-37.2 degree

Cooling result from convection and
radiation (evaporation if body wet)

Question 3

Factors affecting body cooling

Answer 3

Diurnal variation (of 1 degree)

Exercise (Rise up to 3 degree)

Infections

Hypothermia/Hyperthermia

Brain (pontine)

Haemorrhage (rise in temp)

Size of the body

Greater surface area relative to its mass: rapid cooling

Heavier body, obese: slow heat loss

Swollen body (eg Heart failure): slow heat loss (dehydration opposite
effect)

Question 4

Other factors affecting body cooling

Answer 4

Posture

Clothing

Air movement and humidity

Immersion in water

Bleeding

Question 5

Rule of thumb

Answer 5

Fall of temp approx 1
degree per hour

Question 6

Nomogram method

Answer 6

Best researched and documented method

Requires measurement of deep rectal temp.

Assumes temp at death of 37.2 degree C

Over and underestimation is not uncommon

Question 7

Nomogram method correction factors

Answer 7

Body weight
Ambient temp
Dry/wet clothing
Still/moving air
Still/flowing water

Question 8

Nomogram method requirements

Answer 8

No strong radiation

No strong hyper/hypothermia

No uncertain changes in the cooling conditions

No high thermal conduction of the surface beneath the body

Question 9

Vitreous humour chemistry

Answer 9

VH stable, no contamination or rapid chemical changes easily detected

Independent of environmental influences

Linear rise in potessium conc

Question 10

Viterous humour continued

Answer 10

Sampling method is also critical: In forcible aspiration from near the retina, cellular fragments may distort the value

Errors much greater in persons dying of chronic illnesses.

95% confidence limit +/- 6hrs to =+/- 12hrs

Question 11

Other methods for TSD estimation

Answer 11

Stomach contents emptying:
Light meal- 2hrs
Heavy meal- 4-6hrs

Many things can influence the process:
Type and amount of food
Metabolic rate
Presence of drugs
Alcohol
Emotional state
Exercise before death