Applicability of ^|^lsquo;OC-Hemocatch S^|^rsquo; for the forensic identification of human blood

Abstract

OC Hemocatch (HC), an immunochromatographic test device for fecal occult blood, has been used for the forensic identiˆcation of human blood. However, an improved kit, OC Hemocatch S (HC S), is currently available and HC was discontinued. Therefore, the applicability of HC S for the forensic identiˆcation of human blood was evaluated. In addition, false-positive reactions with disinfectants and detergents, which were observed when using HC, were tested in HC S. Similar to HC, HC S was highly sensitive and speciˆc for the detection of human blood. False-negative results due to high concentrations of human hemoglobin were not observed in 100 fold diluted blood. However, distilled water was not suitable as a dil-uent. The eŠects of heating treatment of blood and bloodstains and long-term storage of bloodstains on HC S were similar with HC. However, no false-positive results were observed when disinfectants and detergents were used for HC S. In conclusion, HC S is a suitable and highly e‹cient test kit for the forensic identiˆca-tion of human blood.