Direct blood group typing of forensic samples using a simple monoclonal antibody assay

A simple direct test for blood group antigens in samples of blood, dried blood, dried blood associated with fabric, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva and fingerprints is described. This test takes advantage of monoclonal antibodies which have been produced in this laboratory, but which are also becoming available commercially in ever increasing numbers. The test is sensitive and reliable as evidenced by its performance in blind studies of more than 700 blood samples. The test requires no special equipment and can be completed in 4 h. The test is sufficiently versatile that new antibodies can be added to the same test format as they become available.