Forensic Serology

Forensic serology is the detection, identification and characterisation of body fluids such as blood, semen, saliva and sweat found as evidence in criminal investigations. It is often the first step before DNA analysis and helps establish the nature and origin of biological stains.

Serological examination involves presumptive and confirmatory tests to identify a fluid, determination of species of origin, and blood grouping. Bloodstain pattern analysis further helps reconstruct the events that produced the stains at a scene.

Tests for Blood

Presumptive tests such as the Kastle-Meyer (phenolphthalein) and luminol tests indicate the possible presence of blood, while confirmatory tests like the Teichmann and Takayama crystal tests and precipitin test confirm blood and establish that it is of human origin.

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

The size, shape, distribution and location of bloodstains – passive drops, spatter, transfer patterns and pools – are analysed to reconstruct the position of the victim and assailant and the sequence of events.