Abstract
Investigation at the scene of a crime begins with the search for clues. In the case of bloodstains, the most frequently used reagents are luminol and reduced phenolphthalein (or phenolphthalin that is also known as the Kastle–Meyer colour test). The limitations of these reagents have been studied and are well known. Household cleaning products have evolved with the times, and new products with active oxygen are currently widely used, as they are considered to be highly efficient at removing all kinds of stains on a wide range of surfaces. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of these new cleaning products on latent bloodstains that may be left at a scene of a crime. To do so, various fabrics were stained with blood and then washed using cleaning agents containing active oxygen. The results of reduced phenolphthalein, luminol and human haemoglobin tests on the washed fabrics were negative. The conclusion is that these new products alter blood to such an extent that it can no longer be detected by currently accepted methods employed in criminal investigations. This inability to locate bloodstains means that highly important evidence (e.g. a DNA profile) may be lost. Consequently, it is important that investigators are aware of this problem so as to compensate for it.
Notes
http://www.henkel.es/prensa/ppal/notadetalle.asp?idnota=230 (accessed on 24 June 2008). (http://www.alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/oxybleach.html accessed on 24 June 2008).
Other commercial makes of products containing active oxygen were found to have the same composition as that used in the study, but also all of them contain protease. The proteases have a destructor effect of the proteins. Therefore, they will operate on the haemoglobin and will join their effects with that of the active oxygen, and it is expected that all the products present similar results.
http://sirchie.com/SearchResult.aspx (accessed on 24 June 2008).
www.bluestar-forensic.com/pdf/en/hexagon_obti_verif_report.pdf (accessed on 24 June 2008).
http://www.bluestar-forensic.com/gb/documentation_hexagon.php (accessed on 24 June 2008).
References
Castelló A, Alvarez M, Miquel M, Verdú F (2002) Development of latent stains: effectiveness of luminol and evaluation of its effect on DNA analysis. Cuad Med Forense 28:33–36, [article in Spanish]
Cox M (1990) Effect of fabric washing on the presumptive identification of bloodstains. J Forensic Sci 35(6):1335–1341
Cox M (1991) A study of the sensitivity and specificity of four presumptive tests for blood. J Forensic Sci 36:1503–1511
Creamer JI, Quickenden TI, Apanah MV, Kerr KA, Robertson P (2003) A comprehensive experimental study of industrial, domestic and environmental interferences with the forensic luminol test for blood. Luminescence 18(4):193–198
Creamer JI, Quickenden TI, Crichton LB, Roberson P, Ruhayel RA (2005) Attempted cleaning of bloodstains and its effect on the forensic luminol test. Luminescence 20(6):411–413, Nov–Dec
Grodsky M, Wright K, Kirk PL (1951) Simplified preliminary blood testing. An improved technique and comparative study of methods. J Crim Law Criminol Police Sci 42:95–104
Heuser K, Oehmen M, Nadine K, Benecke M (2006) Effect of “Fit” dishwashing detergent from former Eastern Germany (GDR) on luminol luminescence. Arch Kriminol 217(5–6):137–145, [article in German]
Higaki RS, Philp MS (1976) A study of the sensitivity, stability and specificity of phenolphthalein as an indicator test for blood. Can Soc Forensic Sci J 9(3):97–102
James SH, Eckert WG (1999) Interpretation of bloodstains evidence at crime scenes, 2nd edn. CRC Press, New York
Jones CW (1999) Applications of hydrogen peroxide and its derivatives. Royal Society of Chemistry, UK
Kent E, Elliot DA, Miskelly GM (2003) Inhibition of bleach-induced luminol chemiluminescence. J Forensic Sci 48(1):64–67, Jan
King R, Miskelly GM (2005) The inhibition by amines and amino acids of bleach-induced luminol chemiluminescence during forensic screening for blood. Talanta 67:345–353
Proescher F, Moody AM (1939) Detection of blood by means of chemiluminescence. J Lab Clin Med 24:1183–1189
Quickenden TI, Creamer JI (2001) A study of common interferences with the forensic luminol test for blood. Luminescence 16(4):295–298, Jul–Aug
Quickenden TI, Creamer JI (2004) The forensic use of luminol chemiluminescence to detect traces of blood inside motor vehicles. Luminescence 19:271–277
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the referees and the editor for their comments that have helped to improve this work.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Castelló, A., Francès, F., Corella, D. et al. Active oxygen doctors the evidence. Naturwissenschaften 96, 303–307 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-008-0466-9
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-008-0466-9