Identification of Saliva and Other Body Fluids

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the identification of saliva and other body fluids, including biological composition, testing methods, and relevant case studies.

Saliva Production

1-1.5 liters of saliva produced daily, largely water.

Main Components of Saliva

Small quantities of electrolytes, proteins, antibodies, enzymes, and oral epithelial cells.

Salivary Glands

About 70% from submandibular glands, 25% from parotid glands, and 5% from sublingual glands.

Basal Saliva Level

Continuous level maintained, increases during eating as a digestive aid.

Presumptive Tests for Saliva

Based on identifying inorganic anions (thiocyanate and nitrate) and enzymes (alkaline phosphatase or a-amylase).

a-Amylase Function

Hydrolyzes alpha-1,4 bonds in starch, cannot hydrolyze branched points (alpha-1,6 bonds).

Forms of a-Amylase

AMY 1 from salivary locus, and AMY 2 from pancreatic locus.

Starches

Two types: Amylose (straight chained) and Amylopectin (branched chains).

Amylose Structure

Linear polymer of glucose linked by alpha-1,4 glycosidic linkages.

Amylopectin Structure

Branched polymer with both alpha-1,4 and alpha-1,6 linkages.

Saliva Starch/Iodine Reaction

Amylose forms helices; color change based on chain length.

Diffusion Assay for Saliva

Uses agar and starch to visualize amylase diffusion.

AMY 1 vs AMY 2 Differentiation

‘Salivary’ AMY 1 inhibited by wheat lectin, ‘pancreatic’ AMY 2 inhibited by kidney bean extract.

Phadebas Test

Colorimetric analysis to detect amylase through dye release.

SALIgAE Kit

Commercial test for saliva detection, changes color with saliva extract.

Immunochromatography for Saliva

Uses anti-human salivary a-amylase for detection, sensitive to as little as 1 ml.

Urine Formation

Formed by kidneys, eliminates soluble toxic wastes from cellular metabolism.

Urinary System Components

Includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Composition of Urine

Mostly water, containing urea, inorganic ions, and organic compounds.

Urine Output

Approximately 9-29 ml/kg of body weight per day.

Odor Detection in Urine

Results from ammonia released from breakdown of urea by bacteria.

Presumptive Testing in Urine

DMAC detects amines like urea, producing a color change.

Tamm-Horsfall Protein (THP)

Most abundant protein in urine, synthesized in kidney's epithelial cells.

Vaginal Secretions

No current tests available to identify vaginal secretions in US labs.

Menstrual Blood Identification

No current tests available for menstrual blood identification in US labs.

Fecal Material Analysis

Includes macroscopic and microscopic exams for identification.

Urobilinoids

Heme degradation products tested for presence in fecal material.

Zinc Acetate Test

Green fluorescence detection of degradation products in feces.

Sample Control in Immunochromatography

Red line in test zone indicates positive for saliva detection.

Cross-reactivity of Salivary Tests

Can cross-react with vaginal secretions, fecal material, and breast milk.

Function of Salivary Enzymes

Aid in digestion and breakdown of starches and other substrates.

Gelatin Mixtures in Assays

Help visualize results and enhance test sensitivity.