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Forensic Serology
Serology term used to describe a broad range of
laboratory tests using reactions of blood serum and
body fluid
The serology section of a forensic laboratory may
deal with any or all of the following:
blood typing
characterization of unknown blood
stain patterns for crime reconstruction
paternity testing
semen identification in rape cases
DNA techniques used for identification
enzymes
water
proteins
2) Is it human blood?
Precipitin Test
Luminol
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin
(Hb) the protein responsible for
transporting oxygen
Each Hb contains four iron (Fe)
containing hemes
Heme structure
Luminol
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin
(Hb) the protein responsible for
transporting oxygen
Each Hb contains four iron (Fe)
containing hemes
Heme structure
2) Is it human blood?
Precipitin Test
Precipitin Test
Blood Antigens
On the surface of red blood cells are chemical
structures (proteins) called antigens
Blood Typing
Blood typing involves determination of the antigens
present on an individuals RBCs
Blood Typing
Blood also contains antibodies proteins that
recognize and bind to certain, specific antigens
Blood Type
Antigens on RBC
Antibodies
anti-B
anti-A
AB
AB
none
none
both A & B
Blood Typing
When blood containing a
specific antigen is mixed with
blood containing the
corresponding antibodies, the
blood clots
The clots can then be
removed by the host system
Blood Typing
Human serum containing specific
antibodies can be purchased
Separately mix a drop of
unknown blood sample with
drop of each anti-serum
Reaction between blood
and anti-serum
No reaction between
blood and anti-serum