Medico-legal examination and comparison of the luminol and fluorescein latent blood detection methods for the purpose of crime scene investigation
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Authors
Byrne, Kevin J.
Issue Date
2001
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensics
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper was designed to examine and compare the general effectiveness of the Luminol and Fluorescein latent bloodstain detection techniques. This paper will examine various factors associated with latent bloodstains including each test’s procedures, composition, application technique, sensitivity, advantages, disadvantages, and their relation to the five major factors associated with successful latent blood detection. The paper will also examine several of the major court cases in which latent blood stain detection has played a major evidentiary role as well as the precedents that have been established as a result of their decisions. The paper will conclude with the author’s findings, recommendations, and opinion on successful use and implementation of the latent bloodstain detection techniques for law enforcement professionals. This paper found that the latent bloodstain techniques were very similar in their approach and their relationship to the five major variables. A review of relevant literature found that the Fluorescein technique was more sensitive to detecting latent bloodstains, however, Luminol appears to be a cheaper and more easily administered technique.