Methods of Forensic Serology

Serologists study blood to gain clues in criminal investigations.

Forensic serologists specialize in the analysis of human bodily fluids such as blood, semen and saliva from crime scenes. Due to advances in criminal justice technology, blood is the most commonly studied specimen by forensic serologists. Results from bloodstain patterns and classifications can be used to convict crime offenders. The minimum education requirement for forensic serology is a bachelor's degree. Chief forensic serologists have advanced degrees such as a masters or doctorate in forensic science or forensic pathology.

Biological Approach

A biological approach to forensic serology focuses on DNA analysis. Forensic serologists who specialize in DNA analysis have degrees in the biological sciences with coursework in subjects like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and statistics or population genetics. Biological studies of specimens can include vaginal fluid or semen and saliva. Forensic scientists try to detect either the presence or absence of deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA and compare their findings with the DNA data of convicted felons.

Physics Approach

A physics approach to forensic serology involves the study of bloodstain patterns. By analyzing bloodstain patterns, forensic serologists try to reconstruct crime events. They look for important factors like the size of a bloodstain or its quantity, shape, distribution and location. Forensic serologists study the shape of bloodstains and the surface upon which they are found to hone their investigation. These clues can shed light on whether any weapons were involved at a crime scene and the types of weapons that were used.

Considerations

Forensic serologists specializing in blood analysis are mainly interested in collecting serum, a yellow substance which can be used to determine the freshness of a blood sample. While blood forensic serologists specialize in blood analysis, other bodily fluids like semen and saliva help to narrow their investigation in cases where there may be difficulties in identifying suspects. Serological evidence is useful for investigating cases of sexual assault. Because contaminants can easily destroy DNA and other genetic markers, moist body fluids are completely dried and frozen.

References

• Crime and Clues: Serology in Sexual Assault Investigations
• The Thin Blue Line: Forensic Serology
• Forensic Careers: Forensic Serology/DNA (Biology)
• The Thin Blue Line: Forensic Serology Bloodstain Pattern Analysis