Subcutaneous transport of extravascular blood

An objective method for dating of soft tissue injuries is highly desired in forensic medicine. To achieve this, obtaining a fundamental understanding of extravascular blood behavior is necessary. Porcine blood mixed with fluorescein was inserted subcutaneously on an anaesthetized pig. The fluorescence build-up was measured as a function of time, using a fiber probe setup. Fluorescence measurements proved to be a suitable tool for monitoring the temporal distribution of fluid in a subcutaneous hemorrhage. Reasonable values for the fluid velocity was obtained by monitoring the fluorescein distribution around the infusion point. Further theoretical work and development of the experimental technique is necessary to obtain a good understanding of subcutaneous transport of blood.