Serolgoy

Serology is a huge method in the forensics science lab with testing. This method in the lab can be used to help connect sampled blood and blood from a crime scene. Serology is very similar to DNA fingerprinting in the type of matter that they investigate. Blood is one of the biggest types of evidence tested in the laboratory. When collected, blood may be in the form of dried, fresh liquid, coagulated (change to a solid or semisolid state), and as a small drop or stain. Each form of blood can still be tested but has to be collected in a different way.

                                                          

Henry Lee suggests these steps when dealing with any blood before testing:

1. Wear latex gloves, surgical masks, and full coverage gowns.

2. Eye-coverings are needed for collecting liquid samples.
3. Keep hands out of areas that are hidden.
4. Label all blood samples.
5. Package dry samples in bags, as well as stained clothing.
6. Add a note of precaution if bio-hazards like AIDS or hepatitis are suspected
7. Decontaminate all non-disposable items.
8. Destroy tags, forms, or reports splashed with blood.
9. Clean up hands with diluted bleach, and dispose of contaminated clothing

Following these steps will insure a safe test to occur. 

                            

Serology sometimes involves a useful test called PCR which will be explained further down and to the right. PCR can manage to take a single DNA and create millions of copies in hours to allow faster connections between blood sample to be made and commit criminals of a crime. (C.26)(C.27)