Death by electrocution: Histological technique for copper detection on the electric mark

the current observation of deaths by electrocution, both for domestic and work-related accidents as well as those in other contextes, has deepened the scope of investigation into electric marks, especially from the histologicl point of view. This is one of the few investigation tools that may lead to the diagnosis of death by electrocution in this distinct area, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties that this type of fatality presents. Our attention has been placed on the phenomenon of metallization. In particular, we focused on using the Timm's method to locate the copper deposits. the phenomenon of metallization, usually, could be caused by the copper deposit, this happens due to the copper debris released into the sjin by the live conductor. To date, this techniques has only been used in the pathological field. Nevertheless, we tried to assess its application in seven selected cases, after partially modifying the technique, comparing it with the most common staining detection techniques and analysing the specificity, sensitivy as well as the potential for its application in the routine.