Journal Published Online: 01 October 1979
Volume 24, Issue 4

An Efficient Method to Eliminate Streaking in the Electrophoretic Analysis of Haptoglobin in Bloodstains

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Haptoglobin is an α2 glycoprotein, found in the plasma portion of blood, whose biological functions include the binding and transportation of hemoglobin. Haptoglobin possesses the two characteristics necessary for it to be of value to forensic serology. First, haptoglobin is a genetic marker with an excellent “Discriminating Power” [1] of 0.60 [2], making it, mathematically, one of the best polymorphic proteins for individualizing bloodstains. Second, haptoglobin has been shown to persist in quantities readily detectable in dried blood-stains over a longer period of time than that commonly acknowledged for many other polymorphic proteins and enzymes. During the course of this study, bloodstains stored at room temperature in the laboratory for up to two years were correctly phenotyped in haptoglobin by the procedure presented here.

Author Information

Stolorow, MD
Bureau of Scientific Services, Illinois Department of Law Enforcement, Joliet, Ill.
Wraxall, BGD
Metropolitan Police Forensic Science Laboratory, London, Calif., England
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10914J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10914J