Inactivation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by Ionizing Radiation in Body Fluids and Serological Evidence

• NCJ Number: 124302
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 1303-1310
• Author(s): P D Bigbee; P S Sarin; J C Humphreys; W G Eubanks; D Sun; D G Hocken; A Thornton; D E Adams; M G Simic
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A method to use ionizing radiation to inactivate HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in human body fluids was studied in an effort to reduce the risk of accidental infection to forensic science laboratory workers.

Abstract

Experiments conducted indicate that an X-ray absorbed dose of 25 krad was required to completely inactivate HIV. This does not alter forensically important constituents such as enzymes and proteins in body fluids. This method of inactivation of HIV cannot be used on body fluids which will be subjected to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typing. 8 notes, 3 tables, and 36 references. (Author abstract)