Forensic Chemistry
deductions or conclusions
The branch of chemistry that deals with the
application of chemical principles in solving crimes.
Scientific Evidence
Evidence
• a proof of allegation
• it is sanctioned by law, of as pertaining in
judicial proceedings the truth
Evidence
1. Direct – that which the senses perceived;
witness testify based on what he saw, heard,
smelled, touched or tasted.
2. Circumstantial – that which seek s to establish s
conclusion by inference from proven facts.
3. Hearsay – is a statement made by a witness on
the authority of another and not from his own
personal knowledge.
Forms of Scientific Evidence
• Real or Autoptic evidence – it is addressed to
the senses of the court.
• Testimonial evidence – The witness may be
placed on the witness stand and answer all the
questions to be propounded by both parties in
the case.
• Experimental evidence – an expert witness may
be required to perform certain experiments to
prove a certain matter of fact.
• Documentary evidence – written evidence
presented by an expert relevant to the subject
matter in dispute and not excluded by the Rule
of Court.
Witness
One who testifies in court and has personal
knowledge or experience of something.
Other than the suspect, requested to give
information concerning an incident.
Differences between Ordinary and Expert Witness
Ordinary Witness
• Can only state what his senses perceived
• May not be skilled in the line he is testifying
• Cannot testify on things he has not perceived
Expert witness
• Can state what he perceived
and also give his opinions,
deductions or conclusions
• Skilled in the art, art or trade
he is testifying
• Can testify on things he has
not seen by giving his opinions,
Probative Value of an Expert Witness
• the degree of learning of the witness
• Basis and logic of the conclusion
the other proof of the case
Practice of Forensic Chemistry
1. Collection of the specimen to be examined
2. The actual examination of the specimen
3. Communication of the results of the
examination
4. Court appearance
BLOOD
Where to search for blood in the crime scene :
• Bloodstains – clothing and weapons, under the
fingernails, linings of the pocket, seams and
folds of the garments of the suspect, under the
edges of the table, etc.
• Collection, preservation, packing and
transportation of specimen suspected to
contain blood:
 Sodium fluoride – may be added for
preservation
 Between 40 – 50 °C
 Collection should be done as soon as possible.
Mere washing of garments removes the blood
• If stain contain blood or another substance –
examination of the specimen
Test for Blood :
1. Preliminary test – whether the stain contains
blood or another substance
2. Confirmatory test – determines whether
bloodstain really contains blood
3. Precipitin test – whether the stain is human or
animal blood
4. Blood grouping test – determines the blood
group (AB O system)
PRELIMINARY TEST FOR BLOOD
1. Benzidine Test
A sensitive test that can be applied to minute
stain.
Reagent : benzidine solution
Procedure : stained material is placed on filter
paper; drop benzidine solution, then drop hydrogen
peroxide solution
2. Phenolpthalein Test:
 Reagent : Phenolpthalein solution; hydrogen
peroxide
Procedure : place stained material on filter
paper; drop phenolpthalein solution; drop hydrogen
peroxide
3. Guaicum Test:
Reagent : fresh tincture of guaiac resin
Procedure place stained fabric on porcelain
dish; soak in guaiac; add a few drops of hydrogen
peroxide
4. Leucomalachite Green Test:
Reagent : Leuchomalachite green solution;
hydrogen peroxide
Procedure : stained material on filter paper;
drop leucomalachite green solution; drop hydrogen
peroxide
5. Luminol Test
Reagent : luminol
Procedure : sprayed on suspected item
Reagent : acetone, oxalic acid
Procedure : place dried stain on glass slide;
cover with cover slip; place needle in between slide and
cover slip; drop acetone; drop oxalic acid
2.3 Takayama or Haemachromogen Crystal Test
Reagent : Takayama reagent
Procedure : place on glass slide; add
Takayama reagent; place cover slip; view under the
microscope
3. Spectroscopic Test
The test is performed by means of an optical
instrument known as spectroscope.
Procedure : dissolve stain in water or saline
solution. Place in machine.
PRECIPITIN TEST FOR BLOOD
This is the standard test used to determine
whether the blood/stain is human or of animal origin.
Reagent : Precipitin/ antiserum
Procedure : place bloodstain in teswt tube; add
saline solution; allow to stand overnight; centrifuge,
layer extract on top of antiserum in a capillary tube

CONFIRMATORY TEST FOR BLOOD BLOOD GROUPING TEST FOR FRESH BLOOD
1. Microscopic Test ABO system is used. Blood serum is used.
A useful test for the determination and
mensuration of blood corpuscles between animal and
human blood.
Procedure : stain is viewed under the
microscope
Result : a.) mammalian red blood cells –
circular, biconcave discs with nucleus.
b.) birds, fish and reptile red blood
cells – large, oval and nucleated
c.) amphibian red blood cells – larger than
mammals, oval and nucleated
d. lamprey eel red blood cells – circular
and nucleated

2. Microchemical Test or Microcrystalline Test

2.1 Teichmann (Haemin Crystal Test)
Reagent : sodium chloride, glacial acetic
acid
Procedure : place stain in glass slide; add
sodium chloride crystal, 2 to 3 drops acetic acid; heat
gently over small flame; cool; examine under the
microscope

2.2 Acetone-Haemin Test