RSID-Saliva
Definition
Rapid Stain Identification of Saliva. An immunochromatographic lateral-flow assay using monoclonal antibodies specific to human salivary amylase. More specific than Phadebas, with fewer cross-reactions with non-salivary amylase sources.
- Full name
- Rapid Stain Identification of Saliva
- Target
- Human salivary alpha-amylase
- Antibody type
- Monoclonal
- Compared to
- More specific than the Phadebas amylase test
- Sub-field
- Forensic serology, body fluid identification
Common questions
Why is a monoclonal antibody format an advantage over the older Phadebas test?+
Phadebas detects amylase enzyme activity generically and reacts to amylase from other sources such as sweat or vaginal secretions, while RSID-Saliva's monoclonal antibody targets a specific salivary amylase epitope, which reduces false positives from non-salivary fluids.
Can RSID-Saliva confirm saliva is present without visible staining?+
Yes, the lateral-flow format can detect amylase from touched or wiped surfaces at concentrations below what is visible, which makes it useful for items like drinking vessels, cigarette butts, or bite marks.
Does a positive RSID-Saliva result identify whose saliva it is?+
No, it only confirms the biological fluid is saliva; identifying the donor requires separate DNA profiling of the same stain.
Related terms
- ABAcard P30
- A lateral-flow immunochromatographic strip manufactured by Abacus Diagnostics and validated by the Scientific Working Group for DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) for forensic...
- Alpha-Amylase (Salivary)
- An enzyme encoded by the AMY1 gene and secreted by the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. It cleaves starch at alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds...
- Azoospermia
- The absence of spermatozoa from ejaculated semen, resulting from obstructive causes (vasectomy, ductal blockage) or non-obstructive causes (testicular failure). Azoospermic semen contains...
- Double-Swab Technique
- A collection method for dried biological stains in which a moistened swab rehydrates and lifts the stain from the surface, followed immediately...
- Isoforms of Amylase
- The human genome encodes multiple AMY loci. AMY1 products are expressed in saliva; AMY2 products are expressed in the pancreas. The two...
- Lateral-Flow Immunochromatographic Assay
- A rapid, single-use immunoassay format in which sample extract migrates along a nitrocellulose membrane past a detection zone loaded with antigen-specific antibody...
- Phadebas Test
- A colorimetric presumptive test for alpha-amylase activity. Phadebas tablets contain a blue-dyed insoluble starch; amylase releases soluble blue dye that is measured...
- Presumptive vs Confirmatory Testing
- Presumptive tests (Phadebas) give rapid screening results but have cross-reactants; they justify further analysis. Confirmatory or highly specific tests (RSID-Saliva, mRNA analysis)...
- PSA / P30
- Prostate-specific antigen, a kallikrein-family serine protease secreted by prostatic epithelium. Present in seminal plasma at 0.5 to 2 mg/mL. The standard confirmatory...
- Salivary Alpha-Amylase
- An enzyme (EC 3.2.1.1) secreted by the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Digests starch and is present in saliva at concentrations of...
Explained in these topics
- Immunological Identification of Semen and SalivaRapid Stain Identification of Saliva: a lateral-flow strip test from Independent Forensics targeting salivary alpha-amylase. Validated to detect saliva at 1:10...
- Saliva Identification: Amylase and RSID-Saliva