[An improved method for detection of diatoms (author's transl)].

An improved method for detection of diatoms in case of drowning is reported. The sample is digested with nitric acid. In order to avoid destruction of diatoms as well as losses by centrifugation etc. the time for wet digestion was reduced and the digest solution is filtered through a membrane filter. Fatty material is removed by alternate washing the filter with 2-Propanol and Petroleum ether. Following the wet digestion of the filter, aliqutos of this digest solution are filtered and the filter is examined microscopically. As the recommended procedure is less time consuming and yields almost complete recovery of diatoms the method has great probative value in case of death by drowning.