Forensic Serology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main job of a serologist?

To assist in criminal investigations by analyzing blood, urine, saliva, semen, and other bodily fluids found at crime scenes.

When no serologist is available, what do states rely upon for experts?

Professors of biochemistry, hematology, and immunology.

Why is blood the most common, well-known, and perhaps the most important piece of evidence in the world of criminal justice?

Its presence links suspect and victim to one another and the scene of violence.

What is blood made up of?

Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Signup and view all the answers

How can analysts determine the freshness of a blood sample?

By examining serum, which clots several minutes after exposure to air. Signup and view all the answers

How can identical twins be distinguished with serology?

Identical twins have the same DNA profile, but completely different antibody profiles. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics of blood are used for identification?

Rh factor and antigens. Signup and view all the answers

How many different antigens are found in blood?

There are multiple antigens found in blood depending on the blood type. Signup and view all the answers

What is an antigen?

A protein that triggers the production of an antibody when introduced in the blood. Signup and view all the answers

What is an antibody?

A protein produced by some white blood cells to attack specific foreign materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common problem with blood?

It cannot specifically narrow down a person. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic principle of serology?

For every antigen, there exists a specific antibody. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common blood type?

O+ Signup and view all the answers

What is the least common blood type?

AB- Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the Rh factor and why did it get this name?

Rhesus factor; it was first discovered in the blood of Rhesus monkeys. Signup and view all the answers

How is the red blood cell count different in men and women?

Women tend to have lower red blood cell counts than men, especially before menopause. Signup and view all the answers

If a person is Rh+, what does this mean?

That person has a certain antigen in their blood that someone with Rh- blood does not have. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Kastle-Meyer Test?

A test that adds H2O2 to a blood sample causing it to turn pink. Signup and view all the answers

What is Luminol?

A powder that reacts with blood and turns neon colored in light. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hemastix?

A test that turns green, similar to the Kastle-Meyer Test, used for detecting blood in urine. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Serology in Criminal Justice

Serologists analyze bodily fluids like blood, urine, saliva, and semen for criminal investigations.
In the absence of serologists, states utilize professors in biochemistry, hematology, and immunology as expert witnesses.

Importance of Blood Evidence

Blood links suspects and victims to crime scenes, indicating relationships and movements during the crime.
Bloodstain patterns can reveal details such as the position of individuals and the order of events.

Composition and Characteristics of Blood

Blood consists of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Freshness of a blood sample can be determined by serum, which clots shortly after exposure to air.
Identical twins possess identical DNA but have distinct antibody profiles.

Blood Identification Markers

Blood identification relies on characteristics like the Rh factor and various antigens.
There are numerous blood antigens, which are proteins triggering antibody production when introduced into blood.

Antibodies and Blood Typing

Antibodies are produced by white blood cells to target specific foreign materials.
Common blood types include O+ (most prevalent) and AB- (least prevalent).

Rh Factor

The Rh factor, or Rhesus factor, derives its name from Rhesus monkeys, where it was first discovered.
Rh+ individuals have a specific antigen that differentiates them from Rh- individuals.

Gender Differences in Blood Cell Counts

Women generally have lower red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels compared to men, significantly affected by menstrual blood loss.

Serological Testing Methods

The Kastle-Meyer Test entails adding hydrogen peroxide to a blood sample to produce a color change, though it's not specific and can yield false positives due to vegetable reactions.
Luminol is a chemical that, when sprayed in an area, reacts with chemicals like bleach to illuminate blood traces but does not identify blood type and may compromise evidence.
Hemastix detects blood in urine and turns green, similar to the Kastle-Meyer Test.

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Description

Test your knowledge on forensic serology and the role of serologists in criminal investigations. This quiz covers the analysis of bodily fluids and the qualifications of experts in the field. Challenge yourself with various questions related to this important topic in forensic science.