Technical note: The effects of Bluestar® and luminol when used in conjunction with tetramethylbenzidine or phenolphthalein

Abstract

There are numerous presumptive tests available in the forensic science field to help identify the presence of blood. While many articles are available on the effects of Bluestar® and luminol and potential interactions with subsequent DNA identification, the research field falls short in identifying the effects these two presumptive tests may have on subsequent presumptive tests used to help identify blood. To rectify this ongoing issue in the forensic science field, the chemiluminescence methods of Bluestar® and luminol for the detection of blood at a crime scene were tested for their effects when used in conjunction with tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) or phenolphthalein (PT) at the forensic science laboratory. Six different substrates (untreated wood, pressure treated wood, ceramic tile, shag carpet, cement block, and cotton clothing) were stained with varying dilutions (range 1:1 to 1:100,000) of blood. Neither luminol nor Bluestar® affect the results of PT or TMB tests at blood dilutions equal to or less than 1:100. However, interactions did occur between agents and substrates with blood dilutions 1:1000 or greater. Bluestar® was the only presumptive test that can detect blood dilutions of 1:100,000 on some substrates and luminol was inclusive on pressure treated wood. These findings suggests that forensic science laboratory personal need to know and understand the details of how the blood was detected by the crime scene investigator and the substrate on which the blood was obtained from for their preparation of presumptive blood testing with PT or TMB.