NCJ Number
223875
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2008 Pages: 862-867
Date Published
July 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study attempted to identify a specific and sensitive saliva screening test by comparing three modern techniques--the recently released SALIgAE, Phadebas, and starch-iodine minicentrifuge test--for sensitivity, specificity, mixtures, and simulated casework samples while also considering sample consumption.
Abstract
The Phadebas method for presumptive saliva testing consistently showed its ability to detect saliva with a relatively high degree of specificity at lower limits of detection than the other two methods. Any disadvantages of testing related to sample preparation were far outweighed by the ease of interpretation and the clarity of results. The sensitivity of Phadebas affords the analyst the opportunity to determine the possible presence of saliva with minimal sample consumption, which enables additional testing on the sample, such as DNA analysis. Certain modifications to the SALIgAE protocol regarding extraction method, sample volume addition, and length of time for color development could significantly improve the sensitivity of the test. The issues with starch-iodine regarding interpretation of graduated color changes will persist as long as this form of the test is used. It is best at determining high levels of alpha-amylase with prominent yellow color change. The detailed descriptions of materials and methods address study parameters (sensitivity, specificity, mixtures, and simulated casework samples) and amylase presumptive test procedures for the three techniques of saliva screening. 3 tables, 3 figures, and 8 references