Variance in intraindividual stability of vitreous humor for thanatochemistry.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study investigates the intraindividual variability and ex-vivo stability of vitreous humor (VH) analytes for forensic thanatochemistry. VH, an anatomically isolated and robust postmortem fluid, provides valuable insights into the postmortem interval (PMI) and potential antemortem medical conditions.

Materials and methods

A total of 207 VH samples were collected from 36 cases and divided into three cohorts: serial sampling across three days postmortem, intraindividual variability assessment using triplicates, and ex-vivo stability evaluation through freeze-thaw cycles.

Results

Linear relationships between PMI and potassium, calcium, creatinine, and lactate were identified, but their non-linear trends limited PMI estimation accuracy. Sodium, chloride,

SUBMITTER: Kaehler A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12354637 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature