The estimation of the time since death using temperatures recorded from the external auditory canal : Part I: Can a temperature be recorded and interpreted from this site?

In this first paper of two, two experimental models are used to revisit and expand upon the question as to whether a temperature can be recorded from the external auditory canal (EAC) and used to estimate a time since death using the largest data series for this site to date. The behaviour of the temperature within the EAC after death is investigated and compared to that of the rectum. The temperatures are then applied to previously published algorithms to estimate the time since death. The choice of thermometer and the algorithm to be used are considered as well as why the time since death will be overestimated if consideration is not given to the differences between the rectal and EAC temperature in life or after death.