Forensic Serology Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and facts from the lecture on forensic serology.

What is serology?

The study of any physiological (bodily) fluid.

What are the steps of the forensic process?

Recognition, Search, Collect, Package, Identification, Individualization, Reconstruction.

What is the first step in the forensic process?

Recognition - Where is it?

What does identification refer to in forensic serology?

refers to determining what the substance is.

What does individualization refer to in forensic serology?

refers to determining whose the substance is.

What is reconstruction in forensic serology?

refers to understanding how the evidence got to its location.

Who discovered the ABO blood types?

Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO blood types in 1901.

What blood types did Karl Landsteiner discover?

A, B, and O.

What significant blood discovery was made in 1937?

Karl Landsteiner and Alex Wiener discovered the Rh factor.

What is the composition of blood?

Blood is part solid and part liquid, made of cells and plasma.

How much blood does an adult human have?

An adult human has about 4–6 liters of blood.

What is plasma?

Plasma is the fluid part of blood that contains salts and proteins.

What do red blood cells transport?

Red blood cells transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

What is hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen.

How many red blood cells are in a small drop of blood?

There are about 5 million red blood cells in a small drop of blood.

What is the life span of red blood cells?

The life span of red blood cells is about 120 days.

Where are red blood cells made?

Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow.

How many white blood cells are in a drop of blood?

There are about 8000 white blood cells in a drop of blood from a healthy person.

What is the life span of white blood cells?

The life span of white blood cells is about 10 days.

What role do platelets have in the blood?

Platelets help the blood to clot.

How many platelets are in a small drop of blood?

A small drop of blood contains about 250,000 platelets.

What is the life span of platelets?

The life span of platelets is about five days.

What are antigens?

Antigens are located on the surface of red blood cells.

What do antibodies do?

Antibodies are located in the plasma and help identify foreign substances.

What is the ABO blood system?

The ABO blood system classifies blood types based on the presence of antigens.

What blood type has A agglutinogens?

Blood Type A has A agglutinogens.

What blood type has no agglutinogens?

Blood Type O has no agglutinogens.

What is agglutination?

Agglutination is the clumping of red blood cells.

What are the three antiserums needed for blood typing?

Anti-A serum, Anti-B serum, and Anti-Rh serum.

Which blood type does not clump with Anti-A serum?

Blood Type B does not clump with Anti-A serum.

Which blood type clumps with both Anti-A and Anti-B serum?

Blood Type AB clumps with both Anti-A and Anti-B serum.

Is blood typing an individual or class characteristic?

Blood typing is a class characteristic.

Where are white blood cells made?

White blood cells are made in bone marrow and other organs like the spleen.

What are the main components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

What do red blood cells look like?

Red blood cells are round and look like doughnuts without holes.

What happens to the nucleus of red blood cells as they mature?

The nucleus is lost as the cell matures.

What is the main function of white blood cells?

White blood cells fight infection.

What is the main function of platelets?

Platelets help the blood to clot when a wound occurs.

What is the average lifespan of white blood cells?

The average lifespan of white blood cells is about 10 days.

How does plasma contribute to blood function?

Plasma transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

What is the primary purpose of blood in the body?

Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste.

How do antibodies respond to threats?

Antibodies identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.

Why is it important to have blood donor services?

Blood donor services are essential to provide blood for medical needs.

What health aspect do platelets mainly protect?

Platelets mainly protect against excessive bleeding.

How many types of blood can a person have?

A person can have one of four types of blood: A, B, AB, or O.

What does the term 'bivalent' mean in relation to antibodies?

Bivalent means antibodies have two reactive sites.

What is the significance of blood typing in forensic science?

Blood typing helps to identify and match blood evidence in investigations.

What might the presence of Rh factor indicate in blood typing?

The presence of Rh factor indicates whether the blood type is positive or negative.