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.
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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).
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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
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-008-0466-9