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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by a grant of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research IZKF of Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Forensic Medicine, Julius-Maximilians-University, Versbacher Str. 3, 97078, Würzburg, Germany

    V. Sterzik, S. Panzer, M. Apfelbacher & M. Bohnert

Authors
  1. V. Sterzik
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  2. S. Panzer
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  3. M. Apfelbacher
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  4. M. Bohnert
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to V. Sterzik.

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Sterzik, V., Panzer, S., Apfelbacher, M. et al. Searching for biological traces on different materials using a forensic light source and infrared photography. Int J Legal Med 130, 599–605 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-015-1283-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-015-1283-2

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