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Title

P142 – Validation of the Siemens Hemastix® Reagent Strip for Presumptive Blood Detection in a Forensic Serology Laboratory Setting

16:19

Wednesday August 19^th

Station 14

Duration: 12 minutes

04. Forensic biology

Cassie Collea

The identification of biological evidence is a critical component of forensic serology, with presumptive blood testing serving as a primary screening tool for evidentiary stains. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Forensic Laboratory conducted an internal validation of the Siemens Hemastix® reagent strip test for the presumptive detection of blood within its forensic serology unit. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, robustness, and operational suitability of the Hemastix method in comparison to two widely utilized methodologies: the Kastle-Meyer (phenolphthalein) colorimetric test and the Abacus Diagnostics Hematrace® immunochromatographic assay. Validation studies were designed in accordance with applicable forensic quality assurance standards and internal laboratory protocols. A series of known blood samples, serial dilutions, and non-blood substances were tested to assess analytical sensitivity and potential cross-reactivity. Substrates commonly encountered in casework (e.g., fabrics, porous and non-porous surfaces) were included to evaluate matrix effects. Environmental and chemical interferents, including oxidizing agents and plant-based peroxidases, were also examined to determine specificity and false positive rates. Performance metrics for Hemastix were directly compared to Kastle-Meyer and Hematrace results under identical testing conditions.

Results demonstrated that the Siemens Hemastix test exhibits sensitivity comparable to the Kastle-Meyer assay, with reliable detection of blood at low dilutions. The Hemastix method provided rapid, easily interpretable colorimetric results with minimal sample consumption and reduced preparation time. However, as expected for a peroxidase-based presumptive test, Hemastix showed susceptibility to false positive reactions in the presence of certain oxidizing agents and plant materials, consistent with observations for Kastle-Meyer. In contrast, the Hematrace test demonstrated superior specificity due to its human hemoglobin-targeted immunological mechanism, though with increased cost and longer processing time. Operational assessment indicated that Hemastix offers advantages in portability, ease of use, and suitability for both laboratory and potential field applications. The test’s strip-based format reduces reagent handling and enhances consistency between analysts. Limitations include its presumptive nature and lack of human specificity, necessitating confirmatory testing for forensic reporting. Overall, the validation supports the implementation of Siemens Hemastix as an alternative or complementary presumptive blood screening method within the NCSO Forensic Laboratory. When used in conjunction with established confirmatory assays such as Hematrace, Hemastix provides a rapid, reliable, and efficient tool for the preliminary identification of blood evidence in forensic casework.

Authors

Cassie Collea (Niagara County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, United States of America)
Anna Bartlo (Canisius University, United States of America)
Victoria Williamson (Niagara County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, United States of America)
K. Paul Meyers (Niagara County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, United States of America)
Christian Westring (Niagara County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory, United States of America)

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P142 – Validation of the Siemens Hemastix® Reagent Strip for Presumptive Blood Detection in a Forensic Serology Laboratory Setting

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