Pollard 1998 Protocol
Definition
The standardised diatom test protocol published in Forensic Science International by A.M. Pollard (1998), specifying acid digestion conditions, wash steps, microscopy method, and blank contamination controls.
Related terms
- Diatom Test
- A laboratory test for ante-mortem submersion in which bone marrow (from sealed femur diaphysis) is acid-digested and the diatom species identified in...
- Dry Drowning
- Drowning in which laryngospasm seals the glottis, preventing water entry into the lungs. The victim asphyxiates without pulmonary aspiration. Autopsy shows non-specific...
- Frustule
- The silica cell wall of a diatom, composed of two overlapping valves (epitheca and hypotheca). Frustules are taxonomically distinctive, chemically resistant to...
- Secondary Drowning
- Death from delayed non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema occurring hours to days after an immersion and aspiration event, even if the victim was apparently...
- Vitreous Sodium
- The sodium concentration in the vitreous humour of the eye; reduced below normal in freshwater drowning (systemic haemodilution) and elevated in saltwater...
- Washerwoman Hands
- White, wrinkled, macerated skin on the hands and feet from prolonged water immersion. Indicates duration of immersion, not ante-mortem versus post-mortem submersion.
- Wet Drowning
- Drowning in which water is aspirated into the airways and lungs during the immersion event. Produces over-distended pale lungs, frothy exudate, and...
Explained in
- Drowning: Wet, Dry, Diatom Test and Vitreous MarkersThe standardised diatom test protocol published in Forensic Science International by A.M. Pollard (1998), specifying acid digestion conditions, wash steps, mic...