On the Identification of Body Fluids and Tissues: A Crucial Link in the Investigation and Solution of Crime

Abstract

Body fluid and body tissue identification are important in forensic science as they can provide key evidence in a criminal investigation and may assist the court in reaching conclusions. Establishing a link between identifying the fluid or tissue and the DNA profile adds further weight to this evidence. Many forensic laboratories retain techniques for the identification of biological fluids that have been widely used for some time. More recently, many different biomarkers and technologies have been proposed for identification of body fluids and tissues of forensic relevance some of which are now used in forensic casework. Here, we summarize the role of body fluid/ tissue identification in the evaluation of forensic evidence, describe how such evidence is detected at the crime scene and in the laboratory, elaborate different technologies available to do this, and reflect real life experiences. We explain how, by including this information, crucial links can be made to aid in the investigation and solution of crime.

Innovative Vibrational Spectroscopy Research for Forensic Application

“…This allows on-site investigators to determine which stains are most probative and to limit the number of evidence items that are sent to the laboratory for further testing. A review conducted by Sijen et al evaluated the spectroscopic techniques being used currently at crime scenes and in the laboratory . In this Review, we further explore emerging spectroscopic techniques to identify and differentiate body fluid and discuss how these techniques are improving the field of forensic science.…”

“…A review conducted by Sijen et al evaluated the spectroscopic techniques being used currently at crime scenes and in the laboratory. 22 In this Review, we further explore emerging spectroscopic techniques to identify and differentiate body fluid and discuss how these techniques are improving the field of forensic science.…”

Recent advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA typing: INTERPOL review 2019–2022

“…The basic workflow for biological samples in forensic examinations typically involves a visual examination of the evidence, a presumptive and/or confirmatory test for a suspected body fluid (e.g., the amylase assay for saliva), and DNA analysis and interpretation [ 145 ]. Body fluid identification (BFID), in particular with blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid stains, provides valuable evidence in many investigations that can aid in the resolution of a crime [ 146 ]. Many of these BFID tests are presumptive and not nearly as sensitive as modern DNA tests meaning that “obtaining a DNA profile without being able to associate [it] with a body fluid is an increasingly regular occurrence” and “it is necessary and important, especially in the eyes of the law, to be able to say which body fluid that the DNA profile was obtained from” [ 147 ].…”

Transfer, persistence and recovery of DNA and mRNA vaginal mucosa markers after intimate and social contact with Bayesian network analysis for activity level reporting

“…Note that we do not consider an unknown individual in this network, because there is no dispute about who may or may not have committed the offence, and this is often the case in sexual assault cases [38]. The background term is the same in the numerator and denominator, hence it cancels.…”