Sensitive Identification of Hemoglobin in Bloodstains from Different Species by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Combined UV and Fluorescence Detection

Abstract

HPLC with reversed phase large pore columns (5 microns particle size, C4-phase, 300A pore size) has been used to analyze extracts from bloodstains. Bloodstains from humans as well as various animals often encountered in forensic casework have been investigated. Bloodstains from common wild animals as well as domestic animals could be distinguished by this technique with one exception--dog and wolf. The use of fluorescence detection increased the sensitivity of the method. For human bloodstains, the detection limit was about 1 to 2 nanoliter blood. The method has the advantage of simplicity, speed and sensitivity for use in forensic practice.