Serological Investigations

Crime Detection: Scientific Crime Investigation Serological Investigations

Introduction to Serological Investigations

Serology in its broad sense is the study of body fluids in relation to sickness and its treatment. In crime detection, serological procedures are applied to the identification of a bloodstain; that is, to determining its human or animal origin and its blood-group classification (see Blood Type). Suspects in violent crimes often claim that bloodstains on their clothing, weapons, or automobiles have no connection to the crime. Serological tests on dried bloodstains can ascertain whether the blood in question could have come from the suspect or the victim. A new method of detection, called DNA fingerprinting, was introduced in the 1980s. Since all living cells contain the genetic material DNA (see Nucleic Acids), using chemical analysis investigators can determine if blood or other body fluids found at a crime scene match a genetic profile. Because DNA tests have been in use a relatively short time, their validity in proving conclusively a suspect’s guilt has been questioned in many courts. Like tests to determine blood type, however, DNA analysis can be used to exclude the possibility of a person’s involvement in a crime. See also Forensic Science.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Serological Investigations in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Serological Investigations

In this Section

Crime Detection, Crime Detection History, Surveillance, Interrogation, Crime Detection Records,

Scientific Crime Investigation, Firearms Examinations, Serological Investigations, Investigation Toxicology ,Hairs and Fibers Crime Investigation, Crime Mineralogical Investigations, Crime Metallurgical Investigations and Crime Document Examination.