Post-Mortem Interval Calculations

The video tutorial explains how to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI) using Algor mortis, which refers to the cooling of the body after death. It discusses the consistent cooling rate of bodies and how external factors like temperature can affect this rate. The tutorial provides a method to calculate PMI for cases less than and greater than 12 hours, using specific temperature thresholds and cooling rates. It includes examples and practice problems to reinforce the concepts.

What is Algor Mortis?

• The decomposition of the body after death

• The discoloration of the body after death

• The cooling of the body after death

• The process of body stiffening after death

Which factor does NOT affect the cooling rate of a body?

• External temperature

• Hair color

• Body size

• Clothing

What is the cooling rate of a body in the first 12 hours after death?

• 1.2 degrees Celsius per hour

• 0.4 degrees Celsius per hour

• 0.8 degrees Celsius per hour

• 1.0 degrees Celsius per hour

If a body has a temperature of 33.1 degrees Celsius, what is the PMI?

• Cannot be determined

• Exactly 12 hours

• More than 12 hours

• Less than 12 hours

How do you calculate PMI for a body with a temperature greater than 27.4 degrees Celsius?

• Subtract from 27.4 and divide by 0.8

• Subtract from 37 and divide by 0.8

• Subtract from 27.4 and divide by 0.4

• Subtract from 37 and divide by 0.4

What is the first step in solving a long PMI problem?

• Subtract the measured temperature from 37

• Divide by 0.8

• Subtract the measured temperature from 27.4

• Add 12 hours to the calculation

If a body has a temperature of 25.9 degrees Celsius, how many hours have passed since death?

• Exactly 12 hours

• More than 12 hours

• Less than 12 hours

• Cannot be determined

What is the cooling rate after the first 12 hours?

• 0.8 degrees Celsius per hour

• 0.6 degrees Celsius per hour

• 0.4 degrees Celsius per hour

• 0.2 degrees Celsius per hour

How do you adjust the PMI calculation for a body with a temperature less than 27.4 degrees Celsius?

• Subtract from 27.4 and divide by 0.4, then add 12 hours

• Subtract from 37 and divide by 0.4

• Subtract from 37 and divide by 0.8, then add 12 hours

• Subtract from 27.4 and divide by 0.8

What should you do if a body is found outside in winter with a temperature of 33.1 degrees Celsius?

• Ignore the external temperature

• Assume the PMI is exactly 12 hours

• Assume a shorter PMI

• Assume a longer PMI