Innovating Science® Chemiluminescence in Blood Stain Detection

Learn about how crime scene investigators use chemiluminescence to test for blood stains.

• Students will observe how using a special luminol formulation detect blood stains that are naked to the human eye.
• Aligned to NGSS Practices
• Performance expectations: MS-PS1-2
• Disciplinary core ideas: PS1.A, PS1.B
• Cross cutting concepts include Patterns
• Engineering practices include analyzing and interpreting data

Crime scene investigators are called to the scene of a possible violent crime. They examine the scene for evidence, such as fingerprints, hair, fibers, etc. After collecting the evidence, they notice there is no visible blood. Someone takes out a spray bottle and begins to spray the area with a liquid. After the area is covered with spray, they turn out the lights. A strange, faint glow appears in certain areas of the scene.

Learn how luminol is used in scenes like this everyday. The special luminol formulation does not require a separate hydrogen peroxide catalyst. Simply re-hydrate and use with the simulated blood hemoglobin to show your class. This activity includes an Instruction Manual with suggested activities. Kit contains enough material for several demonstrations.

 : Kit includes instructional manual and SDS booklet.