Forensic Immunology: Antigens, Antibodies and Blood Groups

Forensic immunology applies the principles of the immune system to the identification of biological evidence. This test covers the foundational concepts that underpin serological casework worldwide: the nature of antigens and antibodies, how the body mounts an immune response, and the ABO and Rh blood group systems that have been central to forensic identification for over a century. It also addresses the key laboratory reactions, agglutination and precipitation, that allow forensic scientists to detect and characterise blood-group substances and other biological markers. Finally, it surveys the historical development of serological and immunological methods, from Karl Landsteiner's discovery of ABO groups to modern immunoassay platforms, giving context for why these techniques remain relevant in criminal investigation, mass-disaster victim identification, and paternity analysis. Questions are at the foundational recall level and are suitable for anyone beginning a study of forensic serology.