The Estimation of Time Since Death by De Saram et al. Method Applied to the Corpses Brought to Ggh Mortuary, Guntur

Abstract

A physical change that may occur in a corpse after death would be heat exchange from the body to the
surrounding environment. An attempt has been made by the investigators to estimate time since death by De
Saram method which takes into account the rate of fall of temperature. A total of 100 human corpses selected
for the study. The study was conducted from October to December of the year 2022. It is very difficult to specify
normal body temperature, as this value can vary considerably between individuals. Rectal temperatures in a
group of healthy subjects can vary between 34.2 C- 37.6 C, with a mean of 36.9 C. Rectal temperature is often
referred to as deep central temperature, similar in value to that of brain, heart, lungs and abdominal organs. The
estimated time since death by De saram method is either underestimated or over estimated and is not suitable
for tropical countries like India. The applied method is suitable in winter season of the year particularly where
there is significant fall in body temperature noted when compared to other seasons of the year.