Forensic Analysis Techniques Flashcards

What technique uses antibodies to detect specific proteins or antigens in tissue samples?

Answer: Immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) uses labeled antibodies to detect and localize specific proteins within tissue sections.

In forensic toxicology, what does 'postmortem redistribution' refer to?

Answer: Drug concentration changes in tissues after death

Postmortem redistribution describes how drug concentrations in tissues can change significantly after death, complicating toxicological interpretation.

Which microscopy technique is most useful for examining the surface topography of bullet striations?

Answer: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

SEM provides high-resolution three-dimensional surface imaging ideal for examining fine details on bullets and tool marks.

What is the purpose of using a 'blank' sample in forensic chemical analysis?

Answer: To detect contamination and establish baseline readings

A blank contains all reagents except the analyte, helping identify contamination and establish background signal levels.

Which technique separates compounds based on their migration through a gel under an electric field?

Answer: Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis separates molecules, including DNA fragments and proteins, by size and charge as they move through a gel matrix.

A forensic analyst finds soot particles inside a victim's airway. What does this finding indicate?

Answer: The victim was alive during the fire

Soot in the airways indicates the victim was breathing smoke, proving they were alive when the fire occurred.

What is 'Locard's Exchange Principle' as applied to trace evidence analysis?

Answer: Every contact leaves a trace between two surfaces

Locard's Exchange Principle states that whenever two objects contact each other, material is transferred bidirectionally between them.