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Characterization of drowning by diatom test
B S Giri1, C B Tripathi, Y B Chowdary
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|February 1, 1993
Summary
The diatom test detected microalgae in all organs of drowning victims. Brain and bone marrow samples are most reliable for confirming drowning, even when diatoms appear in other organs from non-drowning deaths.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Toxicology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The diatom test is a method used in forensic science to aid in determining the cause of death, particularly drowning.
- Diatoms, a type of algae, can be absorbed into the body and detected in various organs after drowning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of diatoms in different organs of individuals who died from drowning.
- To assess the reliability of various organs for diatom testing in forensic investigations.
Main Methods:
- Examination of multiple visceral organs from corpses using the diatom test.
- Analysis of diatom load and size in relation to organ type and breadth/diameter of frustules.
Main Results:
- Diatom frustules were present in all visceral organs of drowning victims.
- Larger diatoms were found in lungs, heart, and kidneys; smaller diatoms (up to 10 μm) were found in brain and bone marrow.
- Diatoms were also detected in lungs, heart, and kidneys of non-drowning deceased, indicating potential contamination or alternative sources.
Conclusions:
- The presence and size of diatoms vary across different organs post-mortem.
- Brain and bone marrow samples are considered the most reliable for the diatom test to confirm drowning.
- Caution is advised when interpreting diatom presence in organs like lungs, heart, and kidneys due to potential non-drowning related findings.