Carboxyhemoglobin Detection in the Periorificial Tissues as an Accurate Method for Identifying the Gunshot Entrance Wound
One of the main objectives of the forensic expertise in gunshot injuries is establishing the direction of the shooting. The first step of the process is represented by studying the macroscopic differences in the morphology of the entrance and exit wounds, which in most cases suffice for the differential diagnosis between entrance and exit wound. In some cases, making the difference by using morphology alone is not possible, because the two wounds may present common or peculiar features. In these cases, analytical investigations can help in solving this important aspect of the case investigation. The detection of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in the perilesional tissues is one of the differentiation criteria between entry and exit wound. In some cases of short range shooting included in our study group, we determined the COHb concentration in blood sampled from the entrance wound. COHb values ranged between 10% and 60%. Given the known chemical stability of COHb, its determination can also prove useful in the examination of putrefied bodies, where the morphology of the gunshot wounds is more or less altered, depending on the stage of putrefaction.