Post-mortem interval

Post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decomposition of the body.

Definition

The Post-mortem interval is the time that has elapsed since a person has died. If the time in question is not known, a number of medical/scientific techniques are used to determine it. This also can refer to the stage of decomposition of the body.

Estimation

Estimation of the post-mortem interval is a major task in forensic pathology. This is important in cases of suspicious deaths, as information about the post-mortem interval can provide critical evidence to help determine if a crime has been committed.

Methods of Estimation

There are several methods used to estimate the post-mortem interval:

• Rigor mortis: This is the stiffening of the body after death due to a biochemical process in the muscles. It can begin as soon as 4 hours after death and last up to 72 hours.

• Livor mortis: This is the settling of the blood in the lower (dependent) portion of the body, causing a purplish red discoloration of the skin. It can begin as soon as 20 minutes after death and last up to 16 hours.

• Algor mortis: This is the reduction in body temperature following death. This is a complex process affected by many variables.

• Decomposition: This is the breakdown of the body tissues after death. It can be influenced by many factors including temperature, humidity, and the presence of insects.

• Forensic entomology: This is the study of insects for medico-legal purposes. It can be used to estimate the post-mortem interval by studying the life cycle of insects that are present on the body.

See Also

• Forensic pathology
• Rigor mortis
• Livor mortis
• Algor mortis
• Decomposition
• Forensic entomology

Post-mortem interval Resources
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