Aswini Chandran, a Ph.D. Research Scholar, under the mentorship of Dr Arneet Arora from the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology made a remarkable mark on the global scientific community by presenting her research at the prestigious 77th Annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Scientific Conference. The conference was held from February 17 to 22, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Chandran delivered an oral presentation titled ‘Procalcitonin as a Marker of Sepsis at Autopsy: A Reflective, Novel, Evidence-Based, Effective Point-of-Care Tool’. Her research addresses a significant gap in the accurate identification of sepsis-related deaths during medico-legal autopsies. Procalcitonin (PCT), a well-established biomarker for sepsis in clinical practice, has shown promising potential in post-mortem diagnostics through this study.

 

The research highlights the need for standardised methods to diagnose sepsis-related mortality, aiming to enhance the accuracy of forensic investigations. By integrating microbiological and biochemical analyses, the study also contributes to the broader domains of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, public health policymaking, and monitoring hospital-acquired infections. Professor (Dr) Ajai Singh acknowledged the significance of this achievement and said, “It is a matter of immense pride that AIIMS Bhopal is pioneering such crucial research in forensic medicine. Aswini Chandran’s presentation at the AAFS Scientific Conference is a testament to the institute’s commitment to excellence in medical research. This study not only advances forensic investigations but also has far-reaching implications for public health management and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.

 

We stand committed to supporting groundbreaking research that benefits society at large.” This pioneering research is exclusively conducted at AIIMS Bhopal, further underscoring the institute’s leadership in cutting-edge medical advancements. The dedication and guidance of Dr. Arneet Arora, along with the unwavering support from the AIIMS Bhopal leadership, have been instrumental in the success of this endeavour.