Forensic Science: Blood Analysis and Typing

Forensic Serology

Study of blood applied to crime investigations.

Blood Spatter Analysis

Patterns used to reconstruct crime scene attacks.

Blood Typing

Classifies blood to connect suspects to crimes.

DNA Profiling

Identifies individuals through unique blood DNA.

Red Blood Cells

Erythrocytes that transport oxygen in blood.

White Blood Cells

Leukocytes that fight disease and contain DNA.

Plasma

Liquid component of blood, carries cells and nutrients.

Hemoglobin

Protein in RBCs that binds to oxygen.

Neutrolukes

Most common WBC, first defense against infection.

Lymphocytes

WBCs that produce antibodies against foreign substances.

Eosinolukes

WBCs involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

Monocytes

WBCs that differentiate into macrophages to digest pathogens.

Basolukes

WBCs that release histamine during allergic responses.

Blood Transfusion

Transfer of blood or fluids into a patient's circulatory system.

Blood Bank

Facility for storing and distributing blood products.

Rh Factor

Protein that determines blood type positivity or negativity.

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

Condition caused by Rh incompatibility in pregnancy.

AIDS

Advanced stage of HIV infection with severe immune deficiency.

HIV

Virus that attacks T-helper cells in the immune system.

ELISA Test

Screening test for antibodies in blood.

Platelets

Cell fragments that repair damaged blood vessels.

Bone Marrow

Spongy tissue where blood cells are produced.

Blood Cell Composition

Blood consists of cells (45%) and plasma (55%).

Infection Response

Increased neutrolukes indicate serious bacterial infection.

History of Blood Studies

Key milestones from ancient Egypt to modern blood banking.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells that transport oxygen.

Leukocytes

White blood cells involved in immune response.

Arteries

Carry blood away from the heart under high pressure.

Veins

Return blood to the heart at low pressure.

Capillaries

Tiny vessels for nutrient and waste exchange.

Blood Volume Distribution

30% in arteries, 5% in capillaries, 65% in veins.

Blood Type

Determined by presence of A and B antigens.

Antigens

Proteins on red blood cells that define blood type.

Antibodies

Proteins in plasma that attack foreign antigens.

Agglutination

Clumping of red blood cells due to incompatible blood.

Universal Donor

Type O blood can donate to any blood type.

Antigen-Antibody Response

Immune reaction against foreign blood cells.

Cellular Elements

Make up 45% of blood volume.

Blood Clotting

Process to prevent excessive bleeding.

Lumen

Inner space of blood vessels.

Valves

Prevent backflow of blood in veins.

Neutroluke

Type of white blood cell for defense.

Lymphocyte

White blood cell involved in immune response.

Monocyte

Largest type of white blood cell, becomes macrophage.

Eosinoluke

White blood cell that combats parasites.

Basoluke

White blood cell involved in allergic reactions.