How Heat and Environment Impact Blood Serum Detection with UV LightA Forensic Breakthrough

Introduction

In the forensic world, subtle clues can unlock critical truths. One such clueblood serum often eludes detection due to its transparency on many materials under visible light. However, a recent study reveals how Ultraviolet 365 nm (UV 365) can uncover even minute traces of serum, especially when affected by environmental conditions. This development offers significant implications for crime scene investigations, particularly when a perpetrator attempts to clean up evidence.
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UV 365: A New Ally in Serum Detection

Unlike whole blood, which absorbs UV light, blood serum fluoresces under UV 365, making it easier to detect in crime scenes where serum separates during clotting. The study by Dr. Kelly P. Kearse investigated how variables like temperature, pH, aging, and material type influence serum’s visibility under UV light.

Key Findings:

• Heat enhances UV fluorescence (UVF): Serum showed increased UVF at ~150°C, often forming fluorescent “halo rings” at the stain’s edge.
• Material-dependent visibility: Serum visibility under UV varied across fabrics some linens enhanced detection post-heating, while white cotton hindered it due to manufacturing brighteners.
• No effect from pH changes: Acidic or basic environments did not alter serum fluorescence significantly.
• Aging improves detectability: Aged serum (~2 years) became more fluorescent and water-insoluble, aiding long-term detection.

Beyond Light: Solubility and Protease Resistance

The study also explored how serum reacts to solvents and enzymatic digestion:

• Solvent Resistance: Both serum and whole blood resisted solvents like DMSO, isopropyl alcohol, and chloroform post-heating.
• Water Solubility Lost with Heat: Serum becomes water-insoluble after brief heating, a key distinction from fresh samples.
• Protease Sensitivity: While aged samples remained digestible, heated samples resisted enzymatic breakdown, indicating a heat-induced molecular change.

According to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), advances in trace evidence detection, like this, are crucial in reconstructing events and linking suspects to crime scenes.

A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article journal.jfsr.1001024.

Implications for Crime Scene Analysis

The application of UV 365 in forensic detection marks a major advancement:

• Enables identification of invisible serum stains overlooked during initial investigations.
• Offers clues on time and conditions of bloodstain deposition.
• Helps differentiate fresh, aged, and heat-treated stains, crucial in fire related crime scenes or attempted cleanups.

To explore more innovations in forensic science, visit the Forensic Science Research Journal homepage for additional studies and expert insights.

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