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.

Citation

(2020). The Chemiluminescent imaging of blood on washed cotton and polyester fabrics. The Journal of Academic Development and Education, https://doi.org/10.21252/tnyg-h570

• 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