Publication
Estimating the postmortem interval of human skeletal remains by analyzing their optical behavior
Journal Paper/Review - Jun 4, 2016
Sterzik Vera, Jung Timo, Jellinghaus Katharina, Bohnert Michael
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Keywords
Alternative light source (ALS) . Human skeletal remains .
Deathtime estimation .Postmorteminterval (PMI) .Luminol .
Forensic photography . Forensic osteology . Fluorescence
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Brief description/objective
The aim of this study was to figure out a new practically
applicable method to distinguish between historical and
recent human skeletal remains. Therefore, the optical behavior
of bone cross sections was investigated using the combination
of two methods: a modification of an already established test
(UV-induced fluorescence) and a new method (490 nm-induced
fluorescence). We evaluated the areal extent of fluorescence
of 30 bone cross sections with known postmortem
interval (PMI) using ultraviolet light and 490 nm light. For
analysis, the areal extend of fluorescent surface was determined
using photos of the samples and an image editing
software. The results prove that there is a correlation between
PMI and the areal extent of fluorescent surface in
both tests. Furthermore, the combination of both methods
is a good indicator to distinguish within the forensic relevant
post mortem interval between PMI < 30 years and
PMI > 30 years.