In alcohol-related forensic toxicology, postmortem blood alcohol concentration (BAC) may be higher than antemortem levels due to putrefaction. Which biological specimen is MOST reliable for estimating antemortem alcohol exposure in a decomposed body?
- A Peripheral femoral blood collected at autopsy
- B Hepatic blood from the inferior vena cava
- C Vitreous humor alcohol concentration ✓
- D Urine alcohol concentration
Explanation
Postmortem redistribution and endogenous production of ethanol by putrefactive bacteria (Candida, Clostridium) significantly elevate peripheral blood alcohol in decomposed remains. Vitreous humor is the most reliable alternative sample because: (1) the avascular, enclosed globe prevents bacterial access; (2) ethanol equilibrates across the blood-retinal barrier but the closed environment resists neo-formation of ethanol. Vitreous BAC correlates well with antemortem blood BAC and is not subject to the same redistribution artefact. Central blood (IVC) is still subject to redistribution from liver and stomach content diffusion.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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