IPMICALC: an Integrated Post-mortem Interval Calculator

Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2023 Sep;19(3):468-472. doi: 10.1007/s12024-022-00537-7. Epub 2022 Oct 6.

Abstract

Correctly estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) is essential in forensic practice. In recent decades, the measurement of vitreous humor analyte concentrations - especially of hypoxanthine and potassium - and their correlation with the PMI have returned good results. However, calculating the PMI from the data collected can be quite complex. The present paper describes a web resource ( http://modestya.usc.es:3838/Forensic/ ) that simplifies the procedure. The PMI is determined (with its 95% confidence interval) in a rapid, easy, and reliable manner based on the use of mathematical models, the biochemistry of the vitreous humor, and physical variables such as the ambient temperature, the rectal temperature, and bodyweight. The application is entirely free to use.

Keywords: Hypoxanthine; Post-mortem interval; Potassium; Rectal temperature; Regression models; Time since death; Vitreous humor.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Forensic Medicine*
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Postmortem Changes*
  • Potassium
  • Vitreous Body

Substances

  • Potassium