NCJ Number
211161
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2005 Pages: 633-643
Date Published
September 2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated whether typable DNA could be obtained from bloodstains treated with household detergents and bleach, specifically when a negative serological result was obtained.
Abstract
Prior research studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of bleach and detergents on the analysis of bloodstained material. This study investigated the effects of different washing treatments on the whole bloodstains of varying concentrations. It is known that certain washing conditions can lead to false negative serological results, which are potentially due to the denaturing properties of these conditions. Three sets of bloodstains were created by making dilutions of whole blood with sterile water. Each sample was tested using the ABAcard HemaTrace confirmatory blood test. The untreated-washed whole bloodstain, untreated-washed 1:20 dilution, and the whole bloodstain washed in Tide were the only samples to produce a positive reading for human hemoglobin with the confirmatory blood test. The data produced indicate that confirmatory serology tests for blood are not always reliable predictors of successful STR amplification. Investigators and examiners should use caution when interpreting screening test results, because negative serological results cannot always be used to predict the ability to successfully genotype DNA. Table, figures, references