Abstract
OC-Hemocatch (HC), an immunochromatographic test device for fecal occult blood, has been used for the forensic identification of human blood. However, an improved kit, OC-Hemocatch S (HC-S), is currently available and HC was discontinued. Therefore, the applicability of HC-S for the forensic identification of human blood was evaluated. In addition, false-positive reactions with disinfectants and detergents, which were observed when using HC, were tested in HC-S. Similar to HC, HC-S was highly sensitive and specific for the detection of human blood. False-negative results due to high concentrations of human hemoglobin were not observed in 100-fold diluted blood. However, distilled water was not suitable as a diluent. The effects of heating treatment of blood and bloodstains and long-term storage of bloodstains on HC-S were similar with HC. However, no false-positive results were observed when disinfectants and detergents were used for HC-S. In conclusion, HC-S is a suitable and highly efficient test kit for the forensic identification of human blood.
