Detection of dry bloodstains on different fabrics after washing with commercially available detergents
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences
Abstract
Blood is significant evidence that can help an investigator solve a crime. It can link
a suspect to a crime and also help in reconstructing the crime scene. Criminals often
attempt to eliminate bloodstained evidence at a scene by washing it. These attempts
can result in alteration, or partial or complete removal of stained areas. Many
presumptive tests are used to detect the bloodstains on clothes. In this study,
bloodstained fabrics were washed with commercially available and frequently used
detergents. Kastle-Meyer (KM), Leucomalachite green (LMG), Tetramethylbenzidine
(TMB) and Hemastix tests were used to detect the presence of blood on these
washed fabrics. The Hemastix test was found to be the most sensitive to detecting
the washed stains on all cloths. The Leucomalachite green test was found to be the
least sensitive. The ability of a fabric to retain blood after washing depends not only
upon the chemistry and manufacturing of the fabric but also on the type of detergent.
The time of immersion of the fabric with detergent also affects the removal of
stains from fabrics. Ariel showed the best results in removing bloodstains from all
fabrics. Cotton polyester and khaddar showed the maximum retention of blood after
washing with either of the detergents, whereas silk polyester had the minimum
ability to hold bloodstains.
Description
Keywords
presumptive tests, Kastle-Meyer, Leucomalachite green, Tetramethy lbenzidine, Hemastix, Detergents, Bloodstains
Citation
22. Mushtaq, S., Rasool, N., & Firiyal, S. (2015). Detection of dry bloodstains on different fabrics after washing with commercially available detergents. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 1-8.