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Erschienen in:
01.10.2015 | Originalien
The potential of infrared pupillography in routine police traffic checks
Erschienen in: Rechtsmedizin | Ausgabe 5/2015
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Background
In order to evaluate driving abilities of each traffic participant, standardized and objective measurement methods are still needed. The applicability and value of infrared pupillography as an objective measurement method to indicate possible influence of central nervous acting substances has been demonstrated in former publications.
Objectives
To tie in with first results of the study, the aim was to extend the statistical analysis to further parameters of the pupillary light reflex (PLR) in order to demonstrate their relevance and to substantiate the value of infrared pupillography for possible implementation in the framework of routine police traffic checks.
Materials and methods
We exposed the iris of healthy test subjects (n = 41), as well as of persons who were under the influence of drugs and/or medication (n = 105), to different light stimuli using infrared technology. After measuring and splitting the PLR into single parameters a statistical analysis was performed.
Results
The pupillary light reflex was significantly alterated when the examined person was under the influence of central nervous acting substances. In concordance with former reported results, the majority of the parameters approved the high value of the PLR as a reliable indicator of previous consumption of drugs and/or central nervous acting medication. The most appropriate parameters of the pupillary light reflex for identification of drivers under the influence of central nervous acting substances are indicated in the study.
Conclusions
Infrared pupillography represents an objective method of measuring the pupil function to indicate a possible influence by central nervous acting substances. As we were able to prove the applicability of the device used in the present study during routine police traffic controls, we suggest that infrared pupillography should become a regular method in scheduled traffic controls in the future, preferably in cooperation with forensic medical centers.