A comparison of ABAcard® Hematrace® and RSIDTM-Blood tests on dried, diluted bloodstains treated with leucocrystal violet or luminol. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Streeting, Carl A.; Chaseling, Janet; Krosch, Matt N.; Wright, Kirsty
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of forensic sciences. Volume 54:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Sensitivity -- confirmatory -- presumptive -- enhancement -- latent blood; Law -- Australia -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2020.1781256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-0618

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Presumptive tests for blood, such as luminol and leucocrystal violet (LCV), are often used by forensic officers when screening for latent (non-visible) or diluted bloodstains at crime scenes. Where positive reactions are observed, a confirmatory test for the presence of blood may be implemented. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two such confirmatory tests (ABAcard® Hematrace® and RSID TM -Blood) on dried, diluted bloodstains that were enhanced using either the Grodsky luminol formulation or LCV. Eighteen replicates per dilution (1:10, 1:100), enhancement, and confirmatory test were performed (144 bloodstains). The RSID TM -Blood test produced false negative results for all luminol-enhanced bloodstains, regardless of dilution. This test performed slightly better for bloodstains enhanced with LCV, returning approximately 50% positive results. In contrast, the ABAcard® Hematrace® test performed well, returning positive detections for all luminol-treated bloodstains, and all but two LCV-enhanced stains (both 1:100 dilution). Significant differences were observed between the test results and suggested a potential inhibitory effect on the RSID TM -Blood test from the Grodsky luminol formulation and, to a lesser extent, LCV. This research has demonstrated that the RSID TM -Blood test is not a reliable confirmatory test faint or latent bloodstains enhanced with luminol or LCV.