How is blood readily identified in forensics?

How is blood readily identified in forensics?

• A. By its clear appearance
• B. By the deep pink color produced in a phenolphthalein test
• C. By its thick consistency
• D. By the absence of color

Answer: (B)

In forensic science, blood can be readily identified using tests that reveal its distinctive properties. One such test is the phenolphthalein test, which is specifically designed to detect the presence of hemoglobin in blood. During this test, if blood is present, it reacts with phenolphthalein to produce a deep pink color. This color change is a strong indicator that blood is present, making it a reliable method for forensic identification. The clear appearance of blood does not provide a definitive means for identification, as many substances can appear clear. Additionally, while blood may have a thick consistency, having a thick liquid alone is not sufficient for identification because many other fluids can share similar physical characteristics. Finally, the absence of color does not help in identifying blood, as blood is typically characterized by its color and the tests used to detect it rely on specific reactions that produce distinct visual cues, such as the pink hue in the phenolphthalein test. Thus, the deep pink color produced in the phenolphthalein test stands out as the most effective and scientifically supported method for identifying blood in forensic investigations.

In forensic science, blood can be readily identified using tests that reveal its distinctive properties. One such test is the phenolphthalein test, which is specifically designed to detect the presence of hemoglobin in blood. During this test, if blood is present, it reacts with phenolphthalein to produce a deep pink color. This color change is a strong indicator that blood is present, making it a reliable method for forensic identification.

The clear appearance of blood does not provide a definitive means for identification, as many substances can appear clear. Additionally, while blood may have a thick consistency, having a thick liquid alone is not sufficient for identification because many other fluids can share similar physical characteristics. Finally, the absence of color does not help in identifying blood, as blood is typically characterized by its color and the tests used to detect it rely on specific reactions that produce distinct visual cues, such as the pink hue in the phenolphthalein test. Thus, the deep pink color produced in the phenolphthalein test stands out as the most effective and scientifically supported method for identifying blood in forensic investigations.