Cleaning Puparia for Forensic Analysis

• Leon G. Higley ^[1] ; Tierney R. Brosius ^[2] ; Karl J. Reinhard ^[1] ; David Carter ^[3]
  1. [1] University of Nebraska–Lincoln

     University of Nebraska–Lincoln

     Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Augustana College

     Augustana College

     City of Sioux Falls, Estados Unidos

     
  3. [3] Forensic Science Program Chaminade University Honolulu HI

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• Localización: Journal of forensic sciences, ISSN-e 1556-4029, ISSN 0022-1198, Vol. 61, Nº. 5, 2016, págs. 1356-1358
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • We tested procedures for removing adipocere from insect samples to allow identification. An acceptable procedure was determined: (i) Samples were sorted in petri dishes with 75% alcohol to remove any larvae, adult insects, or other soft-bodied material. (ii) Samples of up to 24 puparia were placed in a vial with 15 mL of 95% acetone, capped, and vortexed for a total of 30–90 sec in 10- to 15-sec bursts. This step removed large masses of adipocere or soil from specimen. (iii) Specimens were removed from acetone and placed in a vial of 15 mL of 2% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and vortexed in 10- to 15-sec bursts until all puparia appeared clean (with our samples this required a total of 60–120 sec). (iv) Specimens were removed from the 2% KOH, placed in 75% ethanol, and examined microscopically. (v) Material was stored in 75% ethanol for identification and long-term preservation.