The application of visible wavelength reflectance hyperspectral imaging for the detection and identification of blood stains

Li, Bo; Beveridge, Peter; O'Hare, William T.; Islam, Meez

Abstract

© 2014 Forensic Science Society. Current methods of detection and identification of blood stains rely largely on visual examination followed by presumptive tests such as Kastle-Meyer, Leuco-malachite green or luminol. Although these tests are useful, they can produce false positives and can also have a negative impact on subsequent DNA tests. A novel application of visible wavelength reflectance hyperspectral imaging has been used for the detection and positive identification of blood stains in a non contact and non destructive manner on a range of coloured substrates. The identification of blood staining was based on the unique visible absorption spectrum of haemoglobin between 400 and 500. nm. Images illustrating successful discrimination of blood stains from nine red substances are included. It has also been possible to distinguish between blood and approximately 40 other reddish stains. The technique was also successfully used to detect latent blood stains deposited on white filter paper at dilutions of up to 1 in 512 folds and on red tissue at dilutions of up to 1 in 32 folds. Finally, in a blind trial, the method successfully detected and identified a total of 9 blood stains on a red T-shirt.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 1, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Deposit Date: Mar 3, 2020
• Journal: Science and Justice
• Print ISSN: 1355-0306
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 54
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 432-438
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2014.05.003
• Keywords: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/5595712
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: The application of visible wavelength reflectance hyperspectral imaging for the detection and identification of blood stains; Journal Title: Science & Justice; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2014.05.003; Content Type: article; Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Forensic Science Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.