Species identification (forensic)
Definition
The determination of whether biological material originates from a human or from a specific non-human species, using species-specific antisera (precipitin test) or species-targeted molecular probes. Relevant in cases where bloodstains are claimed to be animal in origin or where wildlife crime is investigated.
Related terms
- Antigen-antibody reaction
- The specific non-covalent binding between an antigen (a molecule capable of eliciting an immune response) and the antibody produced against it. In...
- Chain of custody
- The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, transferred, and examined a piece of evidence. For digital evidence, chain of custody includes...
- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
- A plate-based immunoassay format in which a target antigen is captured by an antibody bound to a solid surface, detected by a...
- Lateral-flow immunoassay
- A point-of-care competitive immunochromatographic format on a nitrocellulose strip. In the absence of drug, colloidal gold-labelled antibody is captured at a test...
- Precipitin test
- A serological method in which an antiserum specific to one species' proteins is mixed with an extract of an unknown specimen. Formation...
Explained in
- Scope of Forensic Immunology: Specimens and ContextsThe determination of whether biological material originates from a human or from a specific non-human species, using species-specific antisera (precipitin test...