A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
The diatom test for drowning: an unreported source of diatom contamination
Authors: Lunetta, Philippe; Virri, Johanna; Weckström, Jan
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publishing place: NEW YORK
Publication year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Legal Medicine
Journal name in source: International Journal of Legal Medicine
Journal acronym: INT J LEGAL MED
Number of pages: 4
ISSN: 0937-9827
eISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-025-03527-w
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-025-03527-w
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/499585964
We describe here a previously unreported source of diatom contamination that may prove relevant in routine diatom analysis in suspected drowning cases. Glass microscope slides utilized in the process, during their manufacture, undergo a washing process, after which, diatomaceous earth (kieselguhr, fossil diatoms) is added to avoid producing stuck slides during the last rinse. The diatomaceous earth can be removed at this point only by means of aggressive cleaning, but the possibility exists that some fossil diatoms will remain on the slides. This potential contamination source explained a recurrent and otherwise puzzling appearance of Aulacoseira diatom genus in samples both from definite drowning cases and from non-drowned control cases. Discrimination by expert diatomologists between present-day fresh diatoms and fossil diatoms, together with awareness of the ubiquity of diatoms in nature and of their extensive use in the manufacturing industry, corroborate our view that potential sources of laboratory contamination should not be a rational impediment to performing diatom tests.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |  |
Funding information in the publication:
Open Access funding provided by University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital). Open access funding provided by University of Turku (UTU) including Turku University Central Hospital.
