The principal sign used to distinguish live birth from stillbirth in a suspected infanticide case is:
- A Presence of meconium in the large intestine
- B Length of umbilical cord
- C Hydrostatic (lung float) test ✓
- D Presence of vernix caseosa
Correct answer: C. Hydrostatic (lung float) test
Explanation
The hydrostatic (lung float) test of Breslau assesses whether the lungs have breathed air; aerated lungs float in water (positive test), indicating live birth, while unexpanded lungs sink. However, putrefaction can cause a false positive and intrauterine respiratory movements cause false negatives. Additional tests include the stomach-bowel float test, Wredin's test, and histology showing alveolar expansion, to corroborate the finding.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.