NCJ Number
145894
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 1266-1274
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This retrospective study of 286 autopsied medical- examiner cases evaluated alcohol concentrations and distribution in various fluids and tissues in decomposed bodies.
Abstract
Blood alcohol (ethanol) concentrations in decomposed bodies can mean drinking during life and/or endogenous production after death. The correct interpretation is important in medicolegal cases. In this study, cases with alcohol present were classified as "endogenous production," "ingestion," or "unable to determine." One or more of the following criteria determined the classification: the presence of ethanol in only one or more than one body fluids, an atypical distribution of ethanol in body fluids, reliable scene or historical information, and the presence of C3 alcohols in body fluids. Alcohol was endogenously produced in 55 cases. The presence of alcohol was attributed to ingestion in 130 cases. No alcohol was detected in 39 cases. Researchers were unable to determine the source of the remaining 62 alcohol concentrations. The highest blood alcohol concentration derived from endogenous production was 0.07 percent in the cases where other fluids tested negative. The mean blood alcohol concentration was 0.06 percent, with a range as high as 0.16 percent in cases with atypical ratios. Alcohol was in blood and bile, while urine and vitreous fluid were negative or had lower concentrations in cases with endogenous production. The study concludes that in most cases in which endogenous blood production of alcohol occurs, the concentration in blood may be as high as 0.15 percent. 5 tables and 23 references