The project determined the effects of time on the Raman spectra of peripheral blood, menstrual blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and saliva in several environments. Peripheral blood from humans and 10 other animal species were successfully differentiated using Raman spectroscopy. Genetic profiling with Raman spectroscopy was conducted with peripheral blood, menstrual blood, salvia, sweat, and semen. This successfully differentiated donor by race and/or gender. These preliminary studies demonstrate that such a technique is possible; further work is required to finalize the method. The potential advantages of applying Raman spectroscopy to forensic body fluid identification and analysis include a significant increase in the amount of information obtained while reducing the cost and time of analysis. It preserves evidence integrity through a non-destructive confirmatory test. Further, the development of portable instrumentation should improve the efficiency of crime-scene investigation. 1 table and 9 references
Raman Spectroscopy For Analyzing Body Fluid Traces, Stain Aging, Differentiation Between Races, Genders And Species
NCJ Number
251897
Date Published
July 2017
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings and methodology of a study with the objectives of examining changes in body fluid traces over time; differentiating human and animal species based on their blood spectra; and determining a donor's race and gender based on their body fluid spectra.
Abstract
Date Published: July 1, 2017