Purpose of Forensic Serology

Forensic serology identifies blood and other bodily fluids.

Forensic serology is the analysis of biological materials as they relate to a crime. The purpose of forensic serology is to detect and identify blood, semen, saliva, sweat, urine or fecal matter on physical evidence.

Use of Forensic Serology

According to the New Jersey Office of Forensic Science, forensic serology can connect a suspect and victim to each other and to the crime scene, include or exclude a potential suspect or victim, establish the location of the crime, identify a weapon involved in a crime and corroborate case circumstances.

Screening

A forensic serologist documents the physical evidence, screens it for biological materials and collects and preserves biological samples for further analysis.

Procedures

The forensic serologist may process evidence using chemicals, enzymes, immunological techniques and/or microscopic techniques.

Other Duties

The forensic serologist keeps detailed notes, prepares reports, communicates with investigators and testifies in court.

Considerations

Most cases requiring the use of forensic serology are sexual assaults, burglaries, homicides, assaults and robberies. Items tested may include sexual assault evidence collection kits, condoms, clothing, bed linens, weapons and swabs collected at the scene.

References

• State of New Jersey Office of Forensic Science: Forensic Serology
• All About Forensic Science: Forensic Serology
• Explore Forensics: Serology: Bodily Fluids