An estimation of the post-mortem interval in human skeletal remains: a radionuclide and trace element approach.
Estimation of the post-mortem interval remains a contentious issue, with forensic pathologists often relying upon the recognition of morphological changes.A radionuclide approach has often been suggested in the literature, although limitations have prevented its application, most notably those of diagenesis. Within this pilot study, we show for the first time that there is a correlation between certain radionuclide content and time since death.A larger study is proposed to confirm these findings and possibly provide a calibration against which bones uncovered can be dated.
Department of Pathology, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, LE2 7LX, Leicester, UK. swift_ben@hotmail.com
B
B
Swift
I
I
Lauder
S
S
Black
J
J
Norris
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D018732:Forensic Anthropology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013051:Spectrometry, Gamma; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D013997:Time Factors; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
D011868:Radioisotopes; D014131:Trace Elements