Forensic Hematology : Sensitivity and SpecifityTest and Takayama Method

Abstract

Crime scenes where there are acts of violence against the person, commonly are found traces of blood should be analyzed to establish the identity of individuals who participated in the crime, whether as a victim or as an author. These tests are initiated by the confirmation of the presence of hematic material through the use of different techniques. One method is Takayama"™s, which promotes the formation of crystals hemochromagen derived from heme group when a blood sample is subjected to contact with the reagent under heating. These crystals are viewed under a microscope and are sure proof to test blood. The Takayama test can be applied to fresh samples, blood stains supposed impregnated fabric or paper crust scrapings diluted blood or in other types of biological liquids. The research is to measure the actual sensitivity and specificity of Takayama"™s method. To sensitivity, we tested total blood samples, using serial dilutions of hypochlorite and water and semen, blood dried on paper. And for specificity were used samples of human blood and other animal species, as well as samples of spermatic fluid without blood. Since these samples prepared on glass slides with Takayama reagent addition cooked and subjected to heating in an oven for 20 minutes at 50 ° C.