American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which stage of contusion coloration is typically seen after 2-3 days?

1. Purple

2. Yellow-Red

3. Yellow-Green

4. Green

The correct answer is: Yellow-Red

The coloration typically observed in contusions after 2-3 days is the yellow-red stage. This progression in color results from the breakdown of hemoglobin, as red blood cells begin to degrade. Initially, a bruise may appear red or purple due to fresh blood pooling under the skin. As time passes, the color changes due to the breakdown products of hemoglobin, leading to the yellow-red phase. This stage reflects the presence of bilirubin, a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. Understanding the timeline of contusion coloration is critical in forensics and medicolegal investigations, as it helps in determining the approximate age of the bruise, which can be important in assessing injury timelines or potential foul play. The transition from yellow-red to other colors, such as yellow-green or green, typically occurs in later stages as the bruise continues to heal.