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The sensitivity and specificity of red-starch paper for the detection of saliva
N C Martin1, N J Clayson, D G Scrimger
1Lothian and Borders Police Forensic Science Laboratory, Forensic Science Support Department, Lothian & Borders Police, 11 Howdenhall Road, Edinburgh.
Abstract:
The detection of saliva in forensic casework is extremely important in many types of cases. This study describes a relatively sensitive method, based on a red dye bound to starch, for the detection of amylase. The sensitivity and specificity of the method has been examined by testing over 50 household products, various body fluids and five laboratory chemicals. This study demonstrated for the first time that positive results can be obtained from certain washing powders as well as other household products. As well as detecting amylase in saliva, positive Red-Starch results were obtained from faeces and urine. The method was found to be suitable for the detection of mixtures of saliva and semen in conjunction with the Brentamine test for the detection of acid phosphatase.
