What does Gettlers test detects ?
a) Diatoms in drowning
b) Chloride content of blood in drowning
c) Weight in drowning
d) None
Correct Answer - B
Ans. is ‘b’ i.e., Chloride content of blood in drowning
Gettler test estimates chloride content of blood from both sides of
heart.
It is done for drowning.
Normally the chloride content is equal in the right and left chambers
of the heart (600 mg/100 m1). In fresh water drowning due to
hemodilution the chloride content is decreased and in salt water
drowning due to hemoconcentration the chloride content is
increased in left side of heart.
A 25% difference in chloride is significant but the test is of doubtful
value.