Cleaning Puparia for Forensic Analysis. Issue 5 (4th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Higley, Leon G.; Brosius, Tierney R.; Reinhard, Karl J.; Carter, David
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 61:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 1356
• Page End: 1358
• Publication Date: 2016-07-04
• Subjects: forensic science -- taphonology -- forensic entomology -- puparia -- adopocere -- blow fly -- Calliphoridae; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: 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.