Detection of Inflicted Bruises by Alternate Light: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Bruises are often difficult to detect on victims of violence, potentially impacting investigation and prosecution. The purpose of our randomized controlled trial was to measure the effectiveness of an alternate light source (ALS) within visible and long ultraviolet spectrums at improving bruise detection compared to white light over time. We also examined the effects of skin color, age, gender, localized fat, and injury mechanism on bruise detection. Participants included 157 healthy adults with balanced sampling across six skin color categories. Bruises were created under the controlled application of a paintball pellet and dropped weight to one upper and lower arm, respectively. Using a crossover design, both bruises were examined 21 times over 4 weeks. Ten different wavelength (350-535 

SUBMITTER: Scafide KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7383750 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature