Forensic Bloodstain Detection

Add a touch of realism to your forensic science class and turn your students into crime scene investigators!

The Bluestar forensic bloodstain reagent system is based on luminol.  It consists of two reagents in tablet form that are dissolved together in water and sprayed lightly onto a surface.  If the spray encounters any blood residues, a blue luminescence occurs due to a reaction between the reagent solution and haem, a component of haemoglobin.  In dim light conditions, the blue luminescence is easily seen, even on very dilute blood residues..

• Discuss the composition of blood

• Demonstrate real forensic techniques

• Explain this form of luminescence in terms of a release of light energy.

Procedure (new window)

Product Notes (new window, 0.1M, pdf format)

MSDS - beige tablet (new window, 0.1M, pdf format)

MSDS - white tablet (new window, 0.1M, pdf format)

MSDS - working solution (new window, 0.1M, pdf format)