- Course Introduction
- 01: Evidence & DNA
- 02: Forensic Biology
- 03: DNA Extraction & Quantitation
- 04: DNA Amplification
- 05: Amplified DNA Product Separation
- 06: STR Data Analysis & Interpretation
- 07: Population Genetics & Statistics
- 08: Communicating Results
- 09: Other DNA Markers & Technologies
- Course Resources
- Laboratory Training Manual
President's DNA Initiative
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
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Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology
DNA Analyst Training
ABO Typing Techniques
Home > Forensic Biology > Testing of Body Fluids & Tissues > Semen >ABO Typing Techniques
ABO typing of semen in secretors is conventionally conducted using the technique of absorption-inhibition. The principle behind the technique is simple, and can be illustrated with reference to an A secretor. If anti-A is added to a sample (semen, saliva or a semen stain extract), the antibody will complex with the antigen in the sample. If a suspension of A cells is now added, there will be no agglutination since there is no free antibody in solution. A matrix can be set up to cover A, B, and H. There are some important factors to remember when conducting the test:
- The indicator cells are best prepared as a weak suspension in a saline-albumin solution.
- The antisera should be titrated against the indicator cells and used at the weakest dilution that will give a reliable result.
- The titration is conducted using serial dilutions.
- Negative results in inhibitions may be due to small sample size or a weak expression of the Se gene.
- Negative results should be reported as “No ABH activity detected.”
- Absolute definition of secretor status requires Lewis typing of RBCs and confirmation of the presence of Lewis b substance.
Some laboratories do not perform inhibitions but go straight to absorption-elution. The principle behind this approach is that it will detect ABH activity in all cases, not just secretors. However, certain issues must be noted:
- Invoking conclusions about secretor status from absorbtion-elution results is not reliable since the difference is quantitative.
- High levels of antigen can result in false negative in absorption-elution as the Ab-Ag complex dissolves in the excess Ag.
- It is always best to prepare at least a 1:10 dilution of extract in absorption-elution to try to overcome these problems.
