ABSTRACT
Luminol • Luminol causes minute amounts of (latent) blood to fluoresce from a
chemical reaction (chemiluminescence). No ALS or UV light is needed. • Luminol generally does not adversely affect DNA analysis, depend-
ing upon the specific formula. • Luminol will work on surfaces where the blood has been cleaned or
in some cases even painted over. • Luminol is not effective on visible bloodstains; however, it may be used
to extend the margins of visible bloodstains if cleanup is suspected. • It must be used and photographed in near total darkness. Ambient
light will greatly reduce the ability to visualize and photograph the chemifluorescence. Bluestar has a reported advantage of being better photographed in low-light conditions.
