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Postmortem methemoglobin concentrations and their significance.

D T Reay, S J Insalaco, J W Eisele

Journal of Forensic Sciences

|October 1, 1984

Summary

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Postmortem methemoglobin levels in autopsy specimens do not accurately reflect antemortem methemoglobinemia. This study found no validity in using these postmortem measurements to diagnose conditions present before death.

Area of Science:

Forensic Science
Toxicology
Clinical Chemistry

Background:

Methemoglobin is normally present in blood at low concentrations.
Elevated methemoglobin levels can result from chemical exposure, certain drugs, or genetic disorders.
The reliability of postmortem methemoglobin measurements for diagnosing antemortem methemoglobinemia is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the validity of postmortem blood methemoglobin concentrations as indicators of antemortem methemoglobinemia.

Main Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 49 autopsy specimens.
Methemoglobin concentrations were measured in these postmortem samples.

Main Results:

Analysis of 49 autopsy specimens revealed variable postmortem methemoglobin concentrations.

Related Experiment Videos

No correlation was established between postmortem methemoglobin levels and the likelihood of antemortem methemoglobinemia.

Conclusions:

Postmortem methemoglobin concentrations are not reliable indicators of methemoglobinemia that occurred before death.
The use of postmortem methemoglobin levels in forensic toxicology requires careful consideration due to lack of validity.