American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

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In what time frame does greenish discoloration of the abdomen typically appear post-mortem?

12-24 hours
24-36 hours
48-60 hours
60-72 hours

The correct answer is: 24-36 hours

The appearance of greenish discoloration of the abdomen post-mortem, commonly known as decomposition or putrefaction, is associated with the breakdown of red blood cells and the production of the pigment bilirubin as the body's tissues begin to decompose. This greenish hue, which is particularly noticeable in the abdominal area, typically begins to manifest between 24 to 36 hours after death. This time frame can vary depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, as well as individual factors like the cause of death and the person's health prior to death. The decomposition process accelerates under higher temperatures, leading to faster onset of various discoloration signs, including the characteristic greenish tint. Therefore, identifying this time frame is crucial for forensic investigators as it helps establish a timeline related to the circumstances surrounding the death.