Insights Into Bloodstain Degradation and Time Since Deposition Estimation Using Electrochemistry

Blood is an important type of forensic evidence because it can be used for source identification, toxicological analyses, and bloodstain pattern interpretation. Determining the time that bloodshed occurred, often described as bloodstain’s since deposition (TSD), has implications crime scene investigation. In this work, we focus on using electrochemical methods to monitor gradual oxidative changes electron-transfer reactions hemoglobin (Hb) occurring in degrading bloodstains differential pulse hydrodynamic voltammetry. Bloodstains were monitored across a two-week series five different temperature conditions. Linear mixed models generated from voltammograms (DPV) suggested 7 27 variables related redox associated with blood film significantly correlated ( p < 0.033). Of these variables, all reduction bound oxygen or oxidation degradation products within film. Hydrodynamic voltammetry demonstrated retains its catalytic activity when aged electrode surface shift greater peroxide formation longer aged. The are improved biological replicate considered random effect, well peak area ratios included model. Interestingly, linear observed significant change response at 96-h point 0.043) regardless condition. Overall, demonstrate preliminary support DPV technique TSD estimation bloodstains.