Sensitivity and specificity of presumptive tests for blood, saliva and semen.

Forensic Sci Med Pathol

Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW, UK,

Published: March 2014

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of different presumptive tests for identifying blood, semen, and saliva, highlighting the limitations of these tests.
  • The investigation compared the Kastle-Meyer (KM) and leucomalachite green (LMG) tests for blood, finding KM more reliable, while the novel red starch paper (RSP) test effectively detected saliva.
  • Results indicated that the acid phosphatase (AP) test for semen was influenced by factors like detergents and tea stains, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of test conditions to avoid misinterpretation.

Article Abstract

Purpose: Despite their wide use, the limits of presumptive tests can be poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the specificity and sensitivity of conventional, as well as innovative, presumptive tests for blood, semen and saliva.

Methods: We investigated Kastle-Meyer (KM) and leucomalachite green (LMG) tests for blood with regard to their sensitivity and specificity in the presence of oxidizing (hypochlorite) and anti-oxidizing (ascorbic acid) agents. The suitability and specificity of the red starch paper (RSP) test for saliva was assessed. Finally, the inhibitory effect of detergent on the acid phosphatase (AP) test for semen was investigated along with possible cross reactions to tea stains.

Results: Our results confirm previous findings of higher sensitivity and specificity of the KM test compared to LMG test for blood. Contrary to previous studies, no statistically significant difference was observed in the sensitivity of the tests between dry and wet stains. The novel RSP test was found to successfully detect saliva. We demonstrated that acid phosphatase (AP) testing for semen is possible on used RSP. A common multipurpose detergent had an inhibitory effect on AP tests. False positive results were obtained from tea stains. Testing different sorts of tea (black, green and herbal teas) revealed that only Camellia varieties produce positive result with the AP test, due to AP being present in the plants.

Conclusions: From our results we conclude that specific knowledge of each test, including substances that may affect the test outcome, is imperative to ensure correct interpretation of presumptive test results.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12024-013-9515-6DOI Listing

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