Top

Published in:

01-05-2016 | Original Article

Searching for biological traces on different materials using a forensic light source and infrared photography

Authors: V. Sterzik, S. Panzer, M. Apfelbacher, M. Bohnert

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 3/2016

Abstract

Because biological traces often play an important role in the investigation process of criminal acts, their detection is essential. As they are not always visible to the human eye, tools like a forensic light source or infrared photography can be used. The intention of the study presented was to give advice how to visualize biological traces best. Which wavelengths and/or filters give the best results for different traces on different fabrics of different colors? Therefore, blood (undiluted and diluted), semen, urine, saliva, and perspiration have been examined on 29 different materials.

Available only for authorised users

Albanese J, Montes R (2011) Latent evidence detection using a combination of near infrared and high dynamic range photography: an example using bloodstains. J Forensic Sci 56:1601–1603CrossRef

Du Chesne A, Bajanowski T, Brinkmann B (1993) Detection and documentation of masked blood stains with infrared technique. Arch Kriminol 192:159–166PubMed

Farrar A, Porter G, Renshaw A (2012) Detection of latent bloodstains beneath painted surfaces using reflected infrared photography. J Forensic Sci 57:1190–1198CrossRef

Finnis J, Lewis J, Davidson A (2013) Comparison of methods for visualizing blood on dark surfaces. Sci Justice 53:178–186CrossRef

Grubwieser P, Pavlic M, Günther M, Rabl W (2004) Airbag contact in traffic accidents: DNA detection to determine the driver identity. Int J Legal Med 118:9–13CrossRef

Kobus HJ, Silenieks E, Scharnberg J (2002) Improving the effectiveness of fluorescence for the detection of semen stains on fabrics. J Forensic Sci 47:1–5

Lee WC, Khoo BE, Lim Bin Abdullah AF, Aziz ZBA (2013) Statistical evaluation of alternative light sources for bloodstain photography. J Forensic Sci 58:658–663CrossRef

Lin AC, Hsieh HM, Tsai LC, Linacre A, Lee JC (2007) Forensic applications of infrared imaging for the detection and recording of latent evidence. J Forensic Sci 52:1148–1150CrossRef

Lincoln C, McBride P, Turbett G, Garbin C, MacDonald E (2006) The use of an alternative light source to detect semen in clinical forensic medicine. J Clin Forensic Med 13:215–218CrossRef

10.

Miranda G, Prado F, Delwing F, Daruge EJ (2014) Analysis of the fluorescence of body fluids on different surfaces and times. Sci Justice 54:427–431CrossRef

11.

Raymond MA, Hall RL (1986) An interesting application of infra-red reflection photography to blood splash pattern interpretation. Forensic Sci Int 31:189–194CrossRef

12.

Sackiewicz A, Niemcunowicz-Janica A, Pepinski W, Skawronska M, Szeremeta M, Ptaszynska-sarosiek I, Oklota M (2010) Evaluation of visualization of biological stains with the use of alternative light source (ALS) for the purpose of genetic identification. Part II. Semen samples analysis. Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol 60:258–262PubMed

13.

Schuler RL, Kish PE, Plese CA (2012) Preliminary observations on the ability of hyperspectral imaging to provide detection and visualization of bloodstain patterns on black fabrics. J Forensic Sci 57:1562–1569CrossRef

14.

Schulz M, Gilg T, Graw M, Hein M, Kühnel P, Sterzik V (2013) Digitale Bilderfassung des nahen Infrarotspektrums (NIR) für Anwendungen in den Bereichen Rechtsmedizin / Biologische Spurenkunde / Kriminaltechnik. In: Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rechtsmedizin. Rechtsmed, Saarbrücken, p 338

15.

Schulz MM, Wehner F, Wehner HD (2007) The use of a tunable light source (Mini-Crimescope MCS-400, SPEX forensics) in dissecting microscopic detection of cryptic epithelial particles. J Forensic Sci 52:879–883CrossRef

16.

Seidl S, Hausmann R, Betz P (2008) Comparison of laser and mercury-arc lamp for the detection of body fluids on different substrates. Int J Legal Med 122:241–244CrossRef

17.

Sterzik V, Bohnert M (2015) Bloodstain pattern analysis by infrared photography. In: 19th Nordic congress on forensic medicine & 1st annual meeting of NAFT. S J F S, Stockholm, p 35

18.

Stoilovic M (1991) Detection of semen and blood stains using polilight as a light source. Forensic Sci Int 51:289–296CrossRef

19.

Szeremeta M, Pepinski W, Niemcunowicz-Janica A, Skawronska M, Sackiewicz A, Ptaszynska-sarosiek I, Oklota M (2010) Evaluation of visualization of biological stains with the use of alternative light source (ALS) for the purpose of genetic identification. Part I. Blood and saliva stains analysis. Arch Med Sadowej Kryminol 60:248–257PubMed

20.

Vandenberg N, van Oorschot RAH (2006) The use of polilight in the detection of seminal fluid, saliva, and bloodstains and comparison with conventional chemical-based screening tests. J Forensic Sci 51:361–370CrossRef

21.

Virkler K, Lednev I (2009) Analysis of body fluids for forensic purposes: from laboratory testing to non-destructive rapid confirmatory identification at a crime scene. Forensic Sci Int 188:1–17CrossRef

Title: Searching for biological traces on different materials using a forensic light source and infrared photography
Authors: V. Sterzik
S. Panzer
M. Apfelbacher
M. Bohnert
Publication date: 01-05-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 3/2016
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-015-1283-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Searching for biological traces on different materials using a forensic light source and infrared photography

Abstract

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 3/2016

Electrostatic sampling of trace DNA from clothing

Genetics analysis of 38 STR loci in Uygur population from Southern Xinjiang of China

Evaluation of a 13-loci STR multiplex system for Cannabis sativa genetic identification

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and autopsy in deadly gunshot wounds—a comparative study

Modeling internal ballistics of gas combustion guns

Analysis of 24 Y-STR haplotype data in a Chinese Han population from Guangdong Province