The Chemiluminescent imaging of blood on washed cotton and polyester fabrics

Abstract

Luminol is a sensitive test used by forensic investigators to detect blood over a large area in crime scenes. When in contact with blood, luminol emits a bright blue light. This reaction, known as chemiluminescence, was utilised in this study to test luminol sensitivity on 60, 100% cotton and 60, 100% polyester swatches measuring 10cm by 10cm. All samples were washed once, twice or thrice with non-biological or biological laundry capsules, air-dried and subsequently sprayed with luminol and photographed in a dark room. Blood was detected on all 60 blood-stained swatches regardless of washing patterns or laundry capsules. The 60 unstained controls produced little or no chemiluminescence thus making luminol a sensitive and useful test for detecting blood on fabrics found in crime scenes.

• Acceptance Date: Aug 27, 2020
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2020
• Journal: Journal of Academic Development and Education Student Edition
• Print ISSN: 2051-3593
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.21252/tnyg-h570
• Keywords: Luminol, cotton swatch, polyester swatch, blood
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.21252/tnyg-h570