DETERMINATION OF CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN IN DECOMPOSED BODIES
Abstract
The interpretation and the significance of carbon monoxide findings in cases associated with decomposition is studied. The evidence presented indicates that the percentage of carboxyhemoglobin saturation value is not markedly altered during postmortem decomposition when: (1) the specimens are properly preserved, and (2) the blood extracted from tissue is examined as soon as possible for the presence of carbon monoxide. It appears possible to obtain carbon monoxide values, utilizing blood extracted from tissue, in the presence of postmortem decomposition that are similar to the antemortem levels. For example, within the 4% to 12% carboxyhemoglobinsaturation range covered, there was neither a marked increase nor decrease in final percentage of carboxyhemoglobin following decomposition. Nevertheless, unreliable carboxyhemoglobin saturation values may occur. A gas-solid chromatographic procedure for determining carbon monoxide using blood or tissue is presented. This procedure employs a Van Slyke apparatus for liberating gases from biological specimens modified for introducing released gas into the gas chromatograph.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0420631
Entities
People
- Abel M. Dominguez
- James R. Halstead
- Thaddeus J. Domanski
Organizations
- Armed Forces Institute of Pathology