DNA recovery from latent blood after identification by fluorescein

Abstract

Luminol has been widely used in the field of crime scene investigations to detect latent blood; however, luminol has the tendency to destroy DNA evidence. Fluorescein, an alternative to luminol for detecting latent blood at a crime scene, had not been adequately evaluated for its impact on DNA evidence. This thesis demonstrates the successful recovery of DNA from a blood sample treated with fluorescein. DNA was extracted from blood-containing denim substrates after fluorescein was applied to the substrates. The DNA locus, D18S51, was amplified using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, separated by gel electrophoresis, and visualized using ultraviolet light. The results demonstrate that DNA was successfully recovered from the samples.