CSI Exam Terms

Luminol

A chemiluminescent compound that binds to Iron in Hgb - Detects blood using UV light at a 1/10000 dilution

Accelerant

A chemical that increases rate of fire. For example, kerosene or diesel fuel

Electrophoresis

Separation of particles based on size and electrical charge

COD

cause of death. natural or criminal

DNA Databank

Unique DNA RFLP patterns that are stored on super computers that can be compared with in crime scene evidence

Caliber

size of bullet

GC/Mass Spec

a separation mechanism that can analyze unique characteristics solutions based on size and diffusion through a column

Ouchterlony Test

test for difference in animal vs. human blood

Petichial Hemorrhage

small blood lesions under skin due to trauma often associated with strangulation or asphyxiation

Trace Evidence

unique material that is deposited at a crime scene and can only be detected through deliberate processing procedures - fiber, flairs. This can link a suspect to a crime scene

Lividity

discoloration of tissue due to gravity acting on blood RBC’s settle in a region of body around 45 minutes after heart stops - This establishes TOD and posture

Antigen-Antibody

Antibodies are used to identify specific target compounds such as blood proteins

Adipocere

mixture of fat resulting from body decomposition. Oleic, palmitic and stearic acids are the majority

Ballistics

The study of projectile motion and identification. This can ID gun to bullet based on scratch lines

Blood Splatter

Bullet trajectory and location of victims can be determined using patterns and angles

mDNA (Mitochondrial)

DNA only inherited from mother

PCR

Polymerase Chain Reaction. This is a process designed to copy DNA segments multiple times using a special DNA polymerase

RFLP

bar code pattern of DNA based on fragment size

Toxicology

the science of poisons and toxins as well as their effects on human tissue

Mees’ Lines

Parallel or horizontal lines on finger nails. Can indicate heavy metal poisoning or cancer. Malaria, Leprosy, and Hodgkin’s disease can be identified with _________

Ridge Characteristics

Ridge endings, bifurcations and enclosures that can be plotted and stored in a data file for comparison

C4

Cyclotrimethylene trinitramine C3H6N6O6 - Plastic explosive

CODIS

Combined DNA Index System - Convicted Offenders DNA are matched

IDIS

Intelligent Dental Identification Center - National database to ID dental records

Latent Finger Print

Oil residue left on objects. Use super glue fuming

AFIS

Automated Fingerprint Identification System Large data base of any recorded fingerprint

Ferrotrace

Spray that reacts with trace iron deposits from weapons and knives

NCIC

National Crime Information Center Large database concerning crime info