174k views
0 votes
a crime scene detector finds a drop of fluid on the floor next to the victim. she suspects that it contains hemoglobin. which test would she perform to verify her ideas

User Rlovtang
by
4.4k points

2 Answers

3 votes

Final answer:

To verify the presence of hemoglobin, a crime scene investigator would typically use the Kastle-Meyer test, which turns pink in the presence of blood, or the Luminol test, which glows blue in the dark when blood is present. Confirmatory tests could be conducted in a laboratory for detailed analysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

To verify the presence of hemoglobin in a fluid found at a crime scene, a crime scene investigator would likely perform a chemical test known as the Kastle-Meyer test. This is a presumptive test for blood, where a small amount of the fluid is applied to a strip of paper treated with phenolphthalein and then a few drops of hydrogen peroxide are added. If hemoglobin is present, the hydrogen peroxide will cause the phenolphthalein to turn pink, indicating a positive result.

Alternatively, the Luminol test can be used, which also detects the presence of blood by chemiluminescence. When Luminol is sprayed on an area where blood is suspected, and a catalyst such as blood's iron content is present, it will glow a bluish color in the dark. However, it is less specific than the Kastle-Meyer test and can produce false positives.

For a more confirmatory analysis, the sample could be sent to a laboratory, where technicians could use more sophisticated methods such as spectroscopy or electrophoresis to characterize the blood cells and the hemoglobin within them.

User Vladimir Starkov
by
4.4k points
3 votes

Answer:

The hemoglobin (Hgb) test measures how much hemoglobin your red blood cells contain. Hgb is a protein produced by your bone marrow that's stored in red blood cells. It helps red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to your body through your arteries.

Step-by-step explanation:

User ESala
by
4.4k points