Validation of a Mass Spectrometry Based Serological Assay
Abstract
DNA testing can link an item of evidence to an individual but it cannot identify the body fluid that is the source of the DNA. Such basic information, however, is often critical to providing a probative context for the evidence at issue in a criminal investigation. Consider a case where swabs of a suspects fingers reveal DNA consistent with that of an alleged sexual assault victim. Multiple explanations can be offered for this result. One possibility is the claim by the alleged victim that the suspect sexually assaulted her by digitally penetrating her. Alternatively, the suspect may claim that the female innocently licked food from his fingers - leaving her DNA behind. The ability to reliably identify trace amounts of saliva and/or vaginal fluids would enable investigators to resolve such contradictory claims. It is not currently possible, however, for forensic scientists to unambiguously identify forensically-relevant body fluids with existing assays which yield only presumptive results and are often not amenable to trace evidence. In fact, for some body fluids (e.g., vaginal fluid) there are no commercially available tests at all. Thus, there is clear value in the proposed development of an accurate and sensitive technology for unambiguously identifying human body fluids encountered in a forensic context.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1195287
Entities
People
- Kevin M. Legg