An overview of methods used for estimation of time since death

Abstract

The correct determination of time since death is an important goal in medico legal investigation. Recent advances in the methods for estimating time since death have enabled us to determine post-mortem interval more precisely. Since the 1850s, scientists have been working on different methods to determine post-mortem interval. Earlier methods were based on body cooling, rigor mortis, changes in the eye, putrefaction, supravital reactions, and contents of stomach. These methods were relatively crude and only an approximate time could be estimated. Due to the lack of precision the focus has now been shifted to biochemical methods. The biochemical methods are based on systematic pathophysiological changes and are found to be more accurate since the effect of external conditions is less. This review describes the various methods used for estimating time since death.

Keywords:

• postmortem interval
• rigor mortis
• algor mortis
• livor mortis
• biochemical methods