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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?
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How can analysts determine the freshness of a blood sample?
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How can identical twins be distinguished with serology?
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What characteristics of blood are used for identification?
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How many different antigens are found in blood?
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What is an antigen?
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What is an antibody?
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What is the most common problem with blood?
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What is the basic principle of serology?
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What is the most common blood type?
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What is the least common blood type?
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What is another name for the Rh factor and why did it get this name?
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How is the red blood cell count different in men and women?
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If a person is Rh+, what does this mean?
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What is the Kastle-Meyer Test?
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What is Luminol?
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What is Hemastix?
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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.