Algor mortis

WikiDoc Resources for Algor mortis
Articles
Most recent articles on Algor mortis Most cited articles on Algor mortis Review articles on Algor mortis Articles on Algor mortis in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ
Media
Powerpoint slides on Algor mortis Images of Algor mortis Photos of Algor mortis Podcasts & MP3s on Algor mortis Videos on Algor mortis
Evidence Based Medicine
Cochrane Collaboration on Algor mortis Bandolier on Algor mortis TRIP on Algor mortis
Clinical Trials
Ongoing Trials on Algor mortis at Clinical Trials.gov Trial results on Algor mortis Clinical Trials on Algor mortis at Google
Guidelines / Policies / Govt
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Algor mortis NICE Guidance on Algor mortis NHS PRODIGY Guidance FDA on Algor mortis CDC on Algor mortis
Books
Books on Algor mortis
News
Algor mortis in the news Be alerted to news on Algor mortis News trends on Algor mortis
Commentary
Blogs on Algor mortis
Definitions
Definitions of Algor mortis
Patient Resources / Community
Patient resources on Algor mortis Discussion groups on Algor mortis Patient Handouts on Algor mortis Directions to Hospitals Treating Algor mortis Risk calculators and risk factors for Algor mortis
Healthcare Provider Resources
Symptoms of Algor mortis Causes & Risk Factors for Algor mortis Diagnostic studies for Algor mortis Treatment of Algor mortis
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
CME Programs on Algor mortis
International
Algor mortis en Espanol Algor mortis en Francais
Business
Algor mortis in the Marketplace Patents on Algor mortis
Experimental / Informatics
List of terms related to Algor mortis

Algor mortis (Latin: algor—coolness; mortis—of death) is the reduction in body temperature following death. This is generally a steady decline until matching ambient temperature, although external factors can have a significant influence.

A measured rectal temperature can give some indication of the time of death. Although the heat conduction which leads to body cooling follows an exponential decay curve, it can be approximated as a linear process: between 1 and 1.5° Fahrenheit per hour until the body nears ambient temperature.

The Glaister equation [1], for example, is (98.4° F − rectal temperature) / 1.5, giving hours elapsed since death.

As decomposition occurs the internal body temperature tends to rise again.

External links

• Standards Employed to Determine Time of Death

General references:

• Saferstein, Richard (2004). Criminalistics An Introduction to Forensic Science (8th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-113706-9.