YouTube - The Sam Sheppard case Forensic Serology YouTube - The Sam Sheppard case
Introduction 1901- Karl Landsteiner recognized that human blood was distinguishable by its group or type Bloodstains are often found at crime scenes (homicides, assaults, rapes, etc.) Blood Factors (like A-B-O, Rh factor, and others) have been used to link a crime to a suspect or a victim. Since the early 1990’s, DNA technology has completely changed the way in which bloodstains and other biological evidence is individualized.
The Nature of Blood Blood is composed of : Plasma- the fluid portion of unclotted blood Red Blood Cells (erythrocytes) White blood cells (leukocytes) Platelets Serum-yellowish liquid that separates from blood when a clot has formed.
Antigens and Antibodies Antigens-substances, usually proteins, found on the surface of red blood cells that give the cells specific characteristics Antibodies-proteins found in blood serum that destroy or inactivate a specific antigen by binding to it. Agglutination-clumping together of red blood cells cause by an antigen/antibody interaction Serology-the study of antigen-antibody reactions
Blood Typing Serology – the study of antigen-antibody reactions. Distribution of blood types in the U.S.: O A B AB 43% 42 % 12 % 3 %
Neither anti-A nor Anti-B Blood Types Blood Type Antigens on Red Blood Cells Antibodies in Serum A Anti-B B Anti-A AB Neither anti-A nor Anti-B O Neither A nor B Both anti-A and Anti-B
Forensic Characterization of Bloodstains Bloodstains must be analyzed to determine: Is it blood? From what species did the blood originate? How closely can it be associated with a particular individual?
Forensic Characterization of Bloodstains Color Tests-Kastle-Meyer test-oxidation of hemoglobin in blood produces a deep pink color. Luminol-reaction with blood produces light; faint blue glow known as luminescence; very sensitive technique Immunoassays-Antigen-antibody reactions are used to identify blood and also detect drugs in blood
Forensic Characterization of Bloodstains Microcyrstalline tests-Takayama and Teichmann tests; substances form crystals when they come in contact with hemoglobin; less sensitive than color tests Precipitin test-used to detect human blood Gel diffusion-another method for detecting human blood.