Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Detection by Means of Enzyme Immunoassay: A Useful Method in Forensic Pregnancy Diagnosis in Bloodstains

Abstract

This paper reports on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) detection in bloodstains using a commercial kit based on enzyme immunoassay. The specificity and sensitivity of the method is tested, as well as HCG stability over time in the samples. Detection of this hormone in bloodstains is of special interest for pregnancy diagnosis in forensic science applications. The experimental series comprises 60 bloodstains prepared in our laboratory and obtained from blood samples taken from 30 pregnant women and 30 healthy, nonpregnant individuals. The bloodstains were studied at different stages of aging over a 6-month period, each sample being stored at 2 different temperatures throughout the process. The experimental evidence proves HCG to be a useful and stable diagnostic indicator of pregnancy in bloodstains. In addition, the technique used is fast, as well as highly sensitive and specific.