Forensic Analysis Techniques Flashcards

In bloodstain pattern analysis, what does a 'void pattern' indicate?

Answer: An object blocked blood from reaching a surface

A void pattern is an absence of bloodstain in an otherwise continuous pattern, indicating an object or person was present and blocked the blood.

Which reagent is commonly used to enhance latent fingerprints on porous surfaces such as paper?

Answer: Ninhydrin

Ninhydrin reacts with amino acids in sweat residue on porous surfaces, producing a purple-colored compound called Ruhemann's purple.

What does the term 'skeletonization' refer to in the context of decomposition and forensic entomology?

Answer: Complete removal of soft tissue leaving only bone

Skeletonization refers to the complete removal of soft tissue from a body, exposing the skeletal remains.

In forensic serology, what is the ABO blood typing system used to determine?

Answer: Antigens present on red blood cell surfaces

ABO blood typing identifies specific antigens (A, B, both, or neither) present on the surface of red blood cells.

Which technique is used to determine the elemental composition of a glass fragment?

Answer: Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)

EDS analyzes X-rays emitted from a sample when excited by an electron beam, revealing its elemental composition.

What is 'substrate control' in trace evidence analysis?

Answer: An unstained portion of the evidence surface tested alongside the sample

A substrate control is a sample taken from an unstained area of the evidence surface to account for background contamination.

In forensic document examination, what is 'indented writing'?

Answer: Writing impressions transferred to underlying pages when writing on a pad

Indented writing refers to impressions left on lower sheets when someone writes on a pad, recoverable using electrostatic detection apparatus (ESDA).