Question

Police investigating the scene of a sexual assault recover a large blanket that they believe may contain useful physical evidence. They take it to the laboratory of forensic serologist Scott Alden, asking him to test it for the presence of semen. Noticing faint pink stains on the blanket, Scott asks the investigating detective if he is aware of anything that might recently have been spilled on the blanket. The detective reports that an overturned bowl of grapes and watermelon was found at the scene, as well as a broken glass that had contained wine. After the detective departs, Scott chooses and administers what he considers the best test for analysing the piece of evidence in his possession. Three minutes after completion of the test, the blanket shows a positive reaction. What test did Scott choose, and what was his conclusion? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

Acid Phosphatase (AP) Test

Explanation:

Acid phosphate is an enzyme that is found in the body. It is secreted majorly by the prostrate gland into the seminal fluid. The acid phosphatase test is used to test for the presence of semen in items.

Scott chose the acid phosphatase test because it is very useful in testing for semen on large items such as blankets. The reaction time for an acid phosphatase test for semen is less than 30 seconds. Seeing that the test was completed in three minutes, Scott concluded that the positive reaction was as a result of some other fluid.

The detectives reported that an overturned bowl of grapes and watermelon was found at the scene as well as a broken glass that had contained wine. Scott knew that some fruit juices like that of watermelon give a positive reaction to the acid phosphatase test but with  more time that of the semen fluid because the reaction is a very slow one.

Scott concluded that there was no presence of semen on the blanket and therefore there was no sexual assault.