Chapter 15 Forensic Serology

Plasma

The fluid portion of blood, composed principally of water, accounting for 55% of blood content.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells suspended in plasma.

Antigens

Substances, usually proteins and carbohydrates, located on the surface of red blood cells responsible for blood-type characteristics.

Antibodies

Proteins in plasma that can bind to specific antigens; crucial for blood typing.

Agglutination

The clumping of red blood cells caused by antibodies binding to antigens.

ABO Blood Group

A major blood group system that includes type A, B, AB, and O based on the presence of A and B antigens.

Rh Factor

Determined by the presence of the D antigen on red blood cells; classified as Rh positive or Rh negative.

Polyclonal Antibodies

A collection of different antibodies produced by the immune system in response to an antigen.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies that are engineered to be identical and target a specific antigen site.

EMIT

Enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique, a method used to detect specific drugs in urine.

Precipitin Test

A test using antisera to determine if blood is of human or animal origin.

DNA Typing

A process that allows forensic scientists to associate blood to a specific individual.

Allele

Alternative forms of a gene at a particular locus on a chromosome.

Heterozygous

A gene pair consisting of two different alleles.

Seminal Acid Phosphatase

An enzyme secreted into seminal fluid, used to identify the presence of seminal stains.