NCJ Number
131246
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 999-1009
Date Published
1991
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The planimetric immunoassay method for monoclonal antibodies is applied to Lewis blood grouping of dry bloodstains and compared with the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Abstract
Two indicators of Lewis antibodies, glutaraldehyde-treated erythrocytes (planimetric hemagglutination assay, PMHA) and latex particles (planimetric latex agglutination assay, PMLA), were used in the absorption elution method of bloodstains. In 64 bloodstains aged between 2 to 8 months, the PMHA detected the presence of Lewis (Le) a or b antigen from dry stains weighing about 0.4 milligram (mg) within an hour. And in 37 of these stains tested with the PMLA assay, the presence of Le antigens was detected from dry stains weighing 0.1 mg within 3 hours. Both assays are faster, simpler, and more accurate than the ELISA. The latex particles coated with the Le substance are strongly agglutinated and show clearer patterns than erythrocytes. Blind tests of bloodstains of Le typing by PMHA and PMLA correctly typed 30 samples belonging to Le(a+b-) and Le(a-b+). However, 5 Le(a-b-) were undetermined by the criteria of these tests. The data indicate the suitability of PMHA and PMLA for typing the Le blood group in bloodstains. 6 figures, 1 tables, and 20 references (Author abstract modified)