Serology and its Applications in Forensics

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©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc.
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd
ed.
By Richard Saferstein 8-1
ed.
By Richard Saferstein
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 Forensic Serology
Forensic Serology
Courtesy of C. Fanning

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 In 1901, Karl Landsteiner announced one of the
In 1901, Karl Landsteiner announced one of the
most significant discoveries of the 20
most significant discoveries of the 20th
th
Century –
Century –
the typing of blood – a finding that 29 years later
the typing of blood – a finding that 29 years later
earned him a Nobel Prize.
earned him a Nobel Prize.
 For years, physicians had attempted to transfuse
For years, physicians had attempted to transfuse
blood from one individual to another, but their
blood from one individual to another, but their
efforts often ended in failure because the
efforts often ended in failure because the
transfused blood tended to coagulate, or clot in the
transfused blood tended to coagulate, or clot in the
body of the recipient, causing instantaneous death.
body of the recipient, causing instantaneous death.
 Landsteiner was the first to recognize that all
Landsteiner was the first to recognize that all
human blood was not the same; instead, he found
human blood was not the same; instead, he found
that blood is distinguishable by its group or type.
that blood is distinguishable by its group or type.
HISTORY of Serology
HISTORY of Serology

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Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943)
Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943)
 Out of Landsteiner’s work came
Out of Landsteiner’s work came
the classification system that we
the classification system that we
call the A-B-O system. Now
call the A-B-O system. Now
physicians had the key for
physicians had the key for
properly matching the blood of
properly matching the blood of
a donor to that of a recipient.
a donor to that of a recipient.
One blood type cannot be
One blood type cannot be
mixed with a different blood
mixed with a different blood
type without disastrous
type without disastrous
consequences. This discovery
consequences. This discovery
had important implications for
had important implications for
blood transfusion and the
blood transfusion and the
millions of lives it has since
millions of lives it has since
saved.
saved.

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 Landsteiner’s findings opened a new field of
Landsteiner’s findings opened a new field of
research in the biological sciences. Others began to
research in the biological sciences. Others began to
pursue the identification of additional characteristics
pursue the identification of additional characteristics
that could further differentiate blood. By 1937, the
that could further differentiate blood. By 1937, the
Rh factor in blood had been demonstrated and,
Rh factor in blood had been demonstrated and,
shortly thereafter, numerous blood factors or groups
shortly thereafter, numerous blood factors or groups
were discovered. More than 100 different blood
were discovered. More than 100 different blood
factors have been identified. However, the ones in
factors have been identified. However, the ones in
the A-B-O system are still the most important for
the A-B-O system are still the most important for
properly matching a donor and recipient for a
properly matching a donor and recipient for a
transfusion.
transfusion.
Karl Landsteiner
Karl Landsteiner

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 Until the early 1990’s, forensic scientists focused
Until the early 1990’s, forensic scientists focused
on blood factors, such as A-B-O, as offering the
on blood factors, such as A-B-O, as offering the
best means for linking blood to an individual.
best means for linking blood to an individual.
What made these factors so attractive was that in
What made these factors so attractive was that in
theory, no two individuals, except for identical
theory, no two individuals, except for identical
twins, could be expected to have the same
twins, could be expected to have the same
combination of blood factors. In other words,
combination of blood factors. In other words,
blood factors are controlled genetically an d have
blood factors are controlled genetically an d have
the potential of being highly a highly distinctive
the potential of being highly a highly distinctive
feature for personal identification.
feature for personal identification.
 What makes this observation so relevant is the
What makes this observation so relevant is the
great frequency of bloodstains at crime scenes,
great frequency of bloodstains at crime scenes,
especially crimes of the most serious nature:
especially crimes of the most serious nature:
homicides, assaults, and rapes.
homicides, assaults, and rapes.
Application to Forensics

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 The advent of DNA technology has dramatically
The advent of DNA technology has dramatically
altered the approach of forensic scientists toward
altered the approach of forensic scientists toward
individualization of bloodstains and other
individualization of bloodstains and other
biological evidence. The search for genetically
biological evidence. The search for genetically
controlled blood factors in bloodstains has been
controlled blood factors in bloodstains has been
abandoned in favor of characterizing biological
abandoned in favor of characterizing biological
evidence by select regions of our deoxyribonucleic
evidence by select regions of our deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA), which carries the body’s genetic
acid (DNA), which carries the body’s genetic
information. As a result, the individualization of
information. As a result, the individualization of
dried blood and other biological evidence become
dried blood and other biological evidence become
a reality and has significantly altered the role that
a reality and has significantly altered the role that
crime laboratories play in criminal investigation.
crime laboratories play in criminal investigation.

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Nature of Blood
Nature of Blood
•The word blood refers to a highly complex mixture of cells, enzymes,
proteins, and inorganic substances.
•Plasma, which is the fluid portion of blood, is composed principally of
water. The plasma accounts for 55% of blood content.
•Red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and
platelets (thrombocytes) are the solid materials suspended in
plasma.
•Blood clots when fibrin traps and enmeshes the red blood cells. If
the clotted material where removed, a pale yellowish liquid known as
serum would be left.
•Antigens, usually proteins, are located on the surface of red blood
cells and are responsible for blood-type characteristics.

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Antigens and Antibodies
• Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the
gody tissues and remove carbon dioxide from tissues by
transporting it back to the lungs, where it is exhales. For
reasons unrelated to the red blood cell’s transporting
mission, on the surface of each cell are millions of
characteristic chemical structures called antigens. More
than 15 blood antigen systems have been identified, but the
A-B-O and Rh systems are the most important.
•An individual that is type A has A antigens on his/her red
blood cells, type B has B antigens, AB has both A and B
antigens, and type O has neither A nor B antigens.
Cont.

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 Another important blood antigen has
Another important blood antigen has
been designated as the
been designated as the Rh factor
Rh factor,
, or D
or D
antigen. People with the D antigen are
antigen. People with the D antigen are
said to be
said to be Rh positive
Rh positive; those without this
; those without this
antigen are
antigen are Rh negative
Rh negative.
.
 In routine blood banking, the presence or
In routine blood banking, the presence or
absence of the three antigens - A, B, and
absence of the three antigens - A, B, and
D - must be determined in testing
D - must be determined in testing
compatibility of the donor and recipient.
compatibility of the donor and recipient.

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Blood Typing
Blood Typing
•Serum is important because it contains proteins known as
antibodies. The fundamental principal of blood typing is that for
every antigen, there exists a specific antibody. Each antibody
symbol contains the prefix anti-, followed by the name of the antigen
for which is it specific.
•The serum-containing antibody is referred to as the antiserum,
meaning a serum that reacts against something (antigens).
•Antibodies are normally bivalent – that is, they have two reactive
sites. This means that each antibody can simultaneously be
attached to antigens located on two different red blood cells. This
creates a vast network of cross-linked cells usually seen as
clumping or agglutination.

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Serology
Serology
•The term serology is used to describe a broad scope of
laboratory tests that use specific antigen and serum antibody
reactions.
•The identity of each of the four A-B-O blood groups can be
established by testing the blood with anti-A and anti-B sera.

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Serology Antigen-Antibody Reaction
•The concept of specific antigen–antibody reactions has
been applied to immunoassay techniques for the detection
of drugs of abuse in blood and urine.
Red blood cells containing A
antigens do not combine with B
antibodies.
Red blood cells containing B
antigens are agglutinated or
clumped together in the presence
of B antibodies.

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 Let’s look a little more closely at this phenomenon. In
Let’s look a little more closely at this phenomenon. In
normal blood, antigens on red blood cells and
normal blood, antigens on red blood cells and
antibodies coexist without destroying each other
antibodies coexist without destroying each other
because the antibodies present are not specific toward
because the antibodies present are not specific toward
any of the antigens. However, suppose a foreign serum
any of the antigens. However, suppose a foreign serum
added to the blood introduces a new antibody. This
added to the blood introduces a new antibody. This
results in a specific antigen-antibody reaction that
results in a specific antigen-antibody reaction that
immediately causes the red blood cells to link together,
immediately causes the red blood cells to link together,
or agglutinate.
or agglutinate.

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 Nature has taken this situation into account,
Nature has taken this situation into account,
because when we examine the serum of type
because when we examine the serum of type
A blood, we find anti-B and no anti-A.
A blood, we find anti-B and no anti-A.
Similarly, type B blood contains only anti-A,
Similarly, type B blood contains only anti-A,
type O blood contains both anti-A and anti-B,
type O blood contains both anti-A and anti-B,
and type AB blood contains neither anti-A or
and type AB blood contains neither anti-A or
anti-B. The antigen and antibody
anti-B. The antigen and antibody
components of normal blood are summarized
components of normal blood are summarized
in the table given to you in your lab….
in the table given to you in your lab….
 Lab #1: Training Lab: Blood Types
Lab #1: Training Lab: Blood Types

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 Serology involves a broad scope of laboratory tests that
Serology involves a broad scope of laboratory tests that
use specific antigen and serum antibody reactions.
use specific antigen and serum antibody reactions.
 An antibody reacts or agglutinates only with its specific
An antibody reacts or agglutinates only with its specific
antigen. The concept of specific antigen-antibody
antigen. The concept of specific antigen-antibody
reactions has been applied to techniques for detecting
reactions has been applied to techniques for detecting
abused drugs in blood and urine.
abused drugs in blood and urine.
 Every red blood cell contains either an A antigen, a B
Every red blood cell contains either an A antigen, a B
antigen, or no antigens. The type of antigen on one’s red
antigen, or no antigens. The type of antigen on one’s red
blood cells determines one’s ABO blood type. People
blood cells determines one’s ABO blood type. People
with type A blood have A antigens on their red blood
with type A blood have A antigens on their red blood
cells, those with type B blood have B antigens, and those
cells, those with type B blood have B antigens, and those
with type O blood have no antigens on their red blood
with type O blood have no antigens on their red blood
cells.
cells.
Quick Review
Quick Review

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{
{ Radioimmunoassay and EMIT
Radioimmunoassay and EMIT
Immunoassay
Immunoassay
Techniques
Techniques

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 The concept of a specific antigen-antibody reaction is
The concept of a specific antigen-antibody reaction is
finding application in other areas unrelated to blood
finding application in other areas unrelated to blood
typing. Most significantly, this approach has been
typing. Most significantly, this approach has been
extended to the detection of drugs in blood and urine.
extended to the detection of drugs in blood and urine.
 Antibodies that react with drugs do not exist
Antibodies that react with drugs do not exist
naturally; however, they can be produced in animals
naturally; however, they can be produced in animals
such as rabbits by first combining the drug with a
such as rabbits by first combining the drug with a
protein and injecting this combination into the animal.
protein and injecting this combination into the animal.
This drug-protein complex acts as an antigen
This drug-protein complex acts as an antigen
stimulating the animal to produce antibodies.
stimulating the animal to produce antibodies.
Immunoassay Techniques
Immunoassay Techniques

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Drug Protein Carrier
attached to drug
Inject into rabbit
Rabbit produces
antibodies nearly
specific to the drug.
The recovered blood serum of the animal now
contains antibodies that are specific or nearly
specific to the drug originally attached to the
protein carrier.
Currently, thousands of individuals regularly submit to urinalysis for the
presence of abused drugs. These individuals include military personnel,
transportation industry employees, police and corrections personnel, and
subjects requiring pre-employment drug screening. Immunoassay testing for
drugs has proven quite suitable for handling the large volume of specimens
that must be rapidly analyzed for drug content on a daily basis.

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Immunoassay
Immunoassay
•A number of immunological assay techniques are commercially
available for detecting drugs through antigen-antibody reaction.
•One such technique, the enzyme-multiplied immunoassay
technique (EMIT), is used by toxicologists because of its speed
and high sensitivity for detecting drugs in urine.
•In a typical EMIT analysis, antibodies that will bind to a specific
drug are added to the subject’s urine.
•Other immunoassay procedures are also available, such as
radioimmunoassay (RIA), which uses drugs labeled with
radioactive tags.

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 EMIT stands for
EMIT stands for enzyme-multiplied
enzyme-multiplied
immunoassay technique
immunoassay technique. EMIT has
. EMIT has
gained widespread popularity among
gained widespread popularity among
toxicologists because of its speed and
toxicologists because of its speed and
high sensitivity for detecting drugs in
high sensitivity for detecting drugs in
urine.
urine.
EMIT
EMIT

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Antigen-Antibody Reaction
•When an animal, such as a rabbit or mouse, is injected with an
antigen its body will produce a series of different antibodies, all
of which are designed to attack some particular site on the
antigen of interest.

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•This collection of antibodies is known as polyclonal antibodies.
•Alternately, a more uniform and specific collection of antibodies
designed to combine with a single antigen site can be
manufactured.
•Such antibodies are known as monoclonals.

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{
{ Color Tests
Color Tests
Forensic
Forensic
Characterization of
Characterization of
Bloodstains
Bloodstains

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Forensics of Blood
Forensics of Blood
•The criminalist must be prepared to answer the following
questions when examining dried blood:
1. Is it blood?
2. From what species did the blood originate?
3. If the blood is of human origin, how closely can it be
associated to a particular individual?
•The determination of blood is best made by means of a
preliminary color test.

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Testing for Blood
Testing for Blood
•A positive result from the Kastle-Meyer (phenolphthalein) color test
is highly indicative of blood. Hemoglobin causes a deep pink color.
•Alternatively, the luminol test is used to search out trace amounts
of blood located at crime scenes.
•Luminol produces light (luminescence) in a darkened area.
Courtesy of C. Fanning Courtesy of C. Fanning
Luminol with
false positive
(bleach)
Courtesy of C. Fanning

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 For many years, the most common test was the benzidine
For many years, the most common test was the benzidine
color test, but because benzidine has been identified as a
color test, but because benzidine has been identified as a
known carcinogen, its use has generally been discontinued
known carcinogen, its use has generally been discontinued
and replaced with the Kastle-Meyer test.
and replaced with the Kastle-Meyer test.
 Both the benzidine and the Kastle-Meyer color tests are
Both the benzidine and the Kastle-Meyer color tests are
based on the observation that blood hemoglobin possesses
based on the observation that blood hemoglobin possesses
peroxidase-like activity. Peroxidases are enzymes that
peroxidase-like activity. Peroxidases are enzymes that
accelerate the oxidation of several classes of organic
accelerate the oxidation of several classes of organic
compounds when combined with peroxides. For example,
compounds when combined with peroxides. For example,
when a bloodstain, phenolphthalein reagent, and hydrogen
when a bloodstain, phenolphthalein reagent, and hydrogen
peroxide are mixed together, oxidation of the hemoglobin in
peroxide are mixed together, oxidation of the hemoglobin in
the blood produces a deep pink color.
the blood produces a deep pink color.
Benzidine and Kastle-Meyer
Benzidine and Kastle-Meyer

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{
{
Field investigators have
Field investigators have
found Hemastix strips a
found Hemastix strips a
useful presumptive field
useful presumptive field
test for blood. Designed as
test for blood. Designed as
a urine dipstick test for
a urine dipstick test for
blood, the strip can be
blood, the strip can be
moistened with distilled
moistened with distilled
water and placed in contact
water and placed in contact
with a suspect bloodstain.
with a suspect bloodstain.
The appearance of a green
The appearance of a green
color indicates blood.
color indicates blood.
Hemastix
Hemastix

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{
{
Another important presumptive
Another important presumptive
identification test for blood is the
identification test for blood is the
luminol test. Unlike the benzidine
luminol test. Unlike the benzidine
and Kastle-Meyer tests, the reaction
and Kastle-Meyer tests, the reaction
of luminol with blood produces light
of luminol with blood produces light
rather than color. By spraying
rather than color. By spraying
luminol reagent onto a suspect item,
luminol reagent onto a suspect item,
investigators can quickly screen large
investigators can quickly screen large
areas for bloodstains. The sprayed
areas for bloodstains. The sprayed
objects must be located in a
objects must be located in a
darkened area while being viewed for
darkened area while being viewed for
the emission of light (luminescence);
the emission of light (luminescence);
any bloodstains produce a faint blue
any bloodstains produce a faint blue
glow.
glow.
Luminol and Bluestar
Luminol and Bluestar

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{
{
The identification of blood can be made
The identification of blood can be made
more specific if microcrystalline tests
more specific if microcrystalline tests
are performed on the material.
are performed on the material.
Several tests are available; the two
Several tests are available; the two
most popular ones are the Takayama
most popular ones are the Takayama
and Teichmann tests. Both depend on
and Teichmann tests. Both depend on
the addition of specific chemicals to
the addition of specific chemicals to
the blood to form characteristic
the blood to form characteristic
crystals containing hemoglobin
crystals containing hemoglobin
derivatives. Crystal tests are far less
derivatives. Crystal tests are far less
sensitive than color tests for blood
sensitive than color tests for blood
identification and are more susceptible
identification and are more susceptible
to interference from contaminants that
to interference from contaminants that
may be present in the stain.
may be present in the stain.
Microcrystalline Test
Microcrystalline Test

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 Once the stain has been characterized as blood, the serologist
Once the stain has been characterized as blood, the serologist
determines whether the blood is of human or animal origin.
determines whether the blood is of human or animal origin.
The standard test is the precipitin test. Precipitin tests are based
The standard test is the precipitin test. Precipitin tests are based
on the fact that when animals (usually rabbits) are injected with
on the fact that when animals (usually rabbits) are injected with
human blood, antibodies form that react with the invading
human blood, antibodies form that react with the invading
human blood to neutralize its presence. The investigator can
human blood to neutralize its presence. The investigator can
recover these antibodies by bleeding the animal and isolating
recover these antibodies by bleeding the animal and isolating
the blood serum, which contains antibodies that specifically
the blood serum, which contains antibodies that specifically
react with human antigens. For this reason, the serum is known
react with human antigens. For this reason, the serum is known
as human antiserum. In the same manner, by injecting rabbits
as human antiserum. In the same manner, by injecting rabbits
with the blood of other known animals, virtually any kind of
with the blood of other known animals, virtually any kind of
animal antiserum can be produced. Antiserums are
animal antiserum can be produced. Antiserums are
commercially available for humans for human s and for a
commercially available for humans for human s and for a
variety of commonly encountered animals – for example, dogs,
variety of commonly encountered animals – for example, dogs,
cats, chickens and deer.
cats, chickens and deer.
Precipitin Test
Precipitin Test

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Precipitin Test
Precipitin Test
 Several techniques have been
Several techniques have been
devised for performing
devised for performing
precipitin tests on bloodstains.
precipitin tests on bloodstains.
The classic method is to layer
The classic method is to layer
an extract of the bloodstain on
an extract of the bloodstain on
top of the human antiserum in
top of the human antiserum in
a capillary tube. Human blood,
a capillary tube. Human blood,
or for that matter, any protein
or for that matter, any protein
of human origin in the extract,
of human origin in the extract,
reacts specifically with
reacts specifically with
antibodies present in the
antibodies present in the
antiserum, and indicated by the
antiserum, and indicated by the
formation of a cloudy ring or
formation of a cloudy ring or
band at the interface of the two
band at the interface of the two
liquids.
liquids.

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 Another method, called
Another method, called gel diffusion,
gel diffusion, takes advantage
takes advantage
of the fact that antibodies and antigens diffuse or
of the fact that antibodies and antigens diffuse or
move toward one another on a plate coated with a
move toward one another on a plate coated with a
gel medium from a natural polymer called agar.
gel medium from a natural polymer called agar.
The extracted bloodstain and the human antiserum
The extracted bloodstain and the human antiserum
are placed in separate holes opposite each other on
are placed in separate holes opposite each other on
the gel. If the blood is human, a line of precipitation
the gel. If the blood is human, a line of precipitation
forms where the antigens and antibodies meet.
forms where the antigens and antibodies meet.
Gel Diffusion
Gel Diffusion

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Gel Diffusion
Gel Diffusion
 Similarly, the antigens and
Similarly, the antigens and
antibodies can be induced to
antibodies can be induced to
move toward one another
move toward one another
under the influence of an
under the influence of an
electrical field. In the
electrical field. In the
electrophoretic method, an
electrophoretic method, an
electrical potential is applied to
electrical potential is applied to
the gel medium; a specific
the gel medium; a specific
antigen-antibody reaction is
antigen-antibody reaction is
denoted by a line of precitation
denoted by a line of precitation
formed between the hole
formed between the hole
containing the blood extract
containing the blood extract
and the hole containing the
and the hole containing the
human antiserum.
human antiserum.

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The precipitin test is very sensitive and requires only a small
amount of blood for testing. Human bloodstains dried for 10
– 15 years and longer may still give a positive precipitin
reaction. Even extracts of tissue from mummies four to five
thousand years old have given positive reactions with this
test. Furthermore, human bloodstains diluted by washing in
water and left with only a faint color may still yield a positive
precipitin reaction.

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 Once it has been determined that the bloodstain
Once it has been determined that the bloodstain
is human, an effort must be made to associate or
is human, an effort must be made to associate or
disassociate the stain with a particular
disassociate the stain with a particular
individual. Until the mid-1990’s, routine
individual. Until the mid-1990’s, routine
characterization of bloodstains included the
characterization of bloodstains included the
determination of A-B-O types; however, the
determination of A-B-O types; however, the
widespread use of DNA profiling or typing has
widespread use of DNA profiling or typing has
relegated this subject to one of historical interest
relegated this subject to one of historical interest
only.
only.
Precipitin Test
Precipitin Test

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• The precipitin test uses antisera normally derived from
The precipitin test uses antisera normally derived from
rabbits that have been injected with the blood of a known
rabbits that have been injected with the blood of a known
animal to determine the species origin of a questioned
animal to determine the species origin of a questioned
bloodstain.
bloodstain.
• Once it has been determined that the bloodstain is of
Once it has been determined that the bloodstain is of
human origin, an effort must be made to associate or
human origin, an effort must be made to associate or
dissociate the stain with a particular individual.
dissociate the stain with a particular individual.
• DNA analysis has allowed forensic scientists to associate
DNA analysis has allowed forensic scientists to associate
blood to a single individual.
blood to a single individual.
Recap

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• Prior to the advent of DNA typing, bloodstains were
Prior to the advent of DNA typing, bloodstains were
linked to a source by A-B-O typing and the
linked to a source by A-B-O typing and the
characterization of polymorphic blood enzymes and
characterization of polymorphic blood enzymes and
proteins.
proteins.
• This approach has now been supplanted by the newer
This approach has now been supplanted by the newer
DNA technology.
DNA technology.
• DNA analysis has allowed forensic scientists to associate
DNA analysis has allowed forensic scientists to associate
blood and semen stains to a single individual.
blood and semen stains to a single individual.
A-B-O vs. DNA

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• The transmission of hereditary material is accomplished by
The transmission of hereditary material is accomplished by
means of microscopic units called genes, located on
means of microscopic units called genes, located on
chromosomes.
chromosomes.
• Alternative forms of genes that influence a given
Alternative forms of genes that influence a given
characteristic (such as eye color or blood type) are known as
characteristic (such as eye color or blood type) are known as
alleles.
alleles.
• Paternity testing has historically involved the A-B-O blood
Paternity testing has historically involved the A-B-O blood
typing system, along with blood factors other than A-B-O.
typing system, along with blood factors other than A-B-O.
• Currently, paternity testing has implemented DNA test
Currently, paternity testing has implemented DNA test
procedures that can raise the odds of establishing paternity
procedures that can raise the odds of establishing paternity
beyond 99 percent.
beyond 99 percent.
Heredity and Paternity
Heredity and Paternity

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• Many of the cases sent to a forensic laboratory
Many of the cases sent to a forensic laboratory
involve sexual offenses, making it necessary to
involve sexual offenses, making it necessary to
examine exhibits for the presence of seminal stains.
examine exhibits for the presence of seminal stains.
• The best way to locate and at the same time
The best way to locate and at the same time
characterize a seminal stain is to perform the acid
characterize a seminal stain is to perform the acid
phosphatase (an enzyme secreted into seminal fluid)
phosphatase (an enzyme secreted into seminal fluid)
color test.
color test.
 A purple color indicates acid phosphatase
A purple color indicates acid phosphatase
enzyme.
enzyme.
Testing for Seminal Stains

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Semen can be unequivocally identified by either the presence
of spermatozoa or of p30, a protein unique to seminal
plasma.
Forensic scientists can successfully link seminal material to
an individual by DNA typing.

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• The rape victim must undergo a medical examination as
The rape victim must undergo a medical examination as
soon as possible after the assault.
soon as possible after the assault.
• At that time the appropriate items of physical evidence
At that time the appropriate items of physical evidence
including clothing, hairs, and vaginal and rectal swabs
including clothing, hairs, and vaginal and rectal swabs
can be collected for subsequent laboratory examination.
can be collected for subsequent laboratory examination.
• All outer and undergarments should be carefully
All outer and undergarments should be carefully
removed and packaged separately in paper (not plastic)
removed and packaged separately in paper (not plastic)
bags.
bags.
• Bedding, or the object upon which the assault took place,
Bedding, or the object upon which the assault took place,
may also be carefully collected.
may also be carefully collected.
Rape Evidence
Rape Evidence

8-42
ed.
• If a suspect is apprehended within 24 hours of the assault,
If a suspect is apprehended within 24 hours of the assault,
it may be possible to detect the victim’s DNA on the
it may be possible to detect the victim’s DNA on the
male’s underwear or on a penile swab of the suspect.
male’s underwear or on a penile swab of the suspect.
• Items routinely collected from the suspect include all
Items routinely collected from the suspect include all
clothing, pubic hair, head hair, penile swab, and a blood
clothing, pubic hair, head hair, penile swab, and a blood
sample or buccal swab for DNA typing.
sample or buccal swab for DNA typing.
• The forceful physical contact between victim and assailant
The forceful physical contact between victim and assailant
may result in a transfer of such physical evidence of
may result in a transfer of such physical evidence of
blood, semen, saliva, hairs, and fibers.
blood, semen, saliva, hairs, and fibers.
Rape Evidence
Rape Evidence

Serology and its Applications in Forensics

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