MODULE 5: Forensic Toxicology and Serology

MODULE OVERVIEW
Welcome to Module 5! This module focuses its discussion with toxins and poisons. It also
deals with serological fluids such as blood, saliva, semen and seminal fluids.

MODULE OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module the students will be able to:

Relate and reflect on the forensic scientist's ability to supply accurate and objective
information regarding the events that have occurred at a crime and apply the principles and
techniques of the physical and natural sciences to the analysis of the many types of evidence
that may be recovered during a criminal investigation.

LESSONS IN THE MODULE

This module covers the topics on:

Lesson 1. Toxicology and Posology

Lesson 2. Blood and Blood Stains
Lesson 3. Semen and Seminal Fluids

PRE-ASSESSMENT
DIRECTION: Choose and encircle only the letter of the best answer.

1. A branch of science that treats the form and quantity of medicine to be administered within a
certain period.
A. Toxicology C. Oncology
B. Petrology D. Posology
2. A branch of science that treats of poison, their origin, physical and chemical properties,
physiological action, treatment of their noxious effect and methods of detection.
A. Toxicology C. Oncology
B. Petrology D. Posology
3. A substance capable of producing noxious effect when introduced into the body and is
absorbed through the blood stream.
A. Nutrients C. poison
B. drugs D. mineral

4. A substance that acts chiefly upon the spinal column producing such spasmodic and
continuous contraction of muscles.
A. Neurotics C. depressants
B. tetanics D. corrosives
5. A kind of poisoning in which there is gradual deterioration of functioning of tissues and may
or may not result in death.
A. Acute poisoning
B. chronic poisoning
C. suicidal poisoning
D. sub-acute poisoning

6. Which of the following reagents is/are used in the precipitin test for blood?
A. precipitin C. both a and b
B. antiserum D. none of these

7. It is a test for blood useful for the demonstration and measurement of blood
corpuscles.
A. microscopic test C. spectroscopic test
B. microchemical test D. all of these

8. Which of the following tests for blood uses sodium chloride (table salt) as
reagent?
A. Teicmann test C. Precipitin test
B. Takayama test D. Benzidine test

9. The standard test used to determine whether the blood stain is of human or
animal origin.
A. Preliminary test C. Precipitin test
B. Confirmatory test D. Blood grouping test

10. It is the most delicate and reliable test for the determination of the presence
of blood in both old and recent stains.
A. Microscopic test C. Spectroscopic test
B. Microchemical test D. None of these

11. A whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa

suspended in secretion of accessory glands.
A. Semen C. Seminal stain
B. Saliva D. Phlegm

12. The following are examinations applied for seminal fluid and seminal stains
except:
A. Physical C. Chemical
B. Microscopic D. None of these

13. Which of the following is used as chemical test for seminal fluid and seminal
stain?
A. Florence Test C. Barberio’s Test
B. Acid-Phosphatase Test D. All of these

14. Seminal stain exhibits what color under ultraviolet light?

A. reddish stint C. yellowish
B. grayish white D. bluish fluorescence

15. Which of the following is used to locate invisible seminal stain in clothing?
A. Spectroscope C. Florence Test
B. Ultraviolet light D. Microscopic examination
 Lesson 1: Toxicology and Posology

INTRODUCTION

Forensic toxicology is the study of poisons to the elucidation of question that arise in judicial
proceedings. It deals with the origin of poisons, physical and chemical properties of poisons,
physiological actions of poisons, symptoms of poisoning, lethal doses of poisons, proper antidotes
of poisons, specific identification and quantification of poisons, and evaluation and interpretation of
the results of poison examination. This lesson discusses on the definition of toxicology and
posology, the classifications of poisons, and the kinds of dose and types of poisoning. You are given
five hours to complete this lesson.

LESSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Define toxicology and posology.
2. Enumerate the classifications of poisons.
3. Name the kinds of dose and types of poisoning.
4. Conduct a survey on the poisonous chemicals found in pesticides and other related
products on sell in the local market.
5. Relate the importance of the concepts of toxicology in solving crime that involves
poisoning.

TIME FRAME

This lesson should be accomplished within seven days.

LEARNING TASK

Direction: Based on stock knowledge, make a short list of chemicals with their effects.

Chemical Effects
• Water • Dehydrate humans and other living things
• Essential use for humans

• Aspirin • treat pain, fever, and inflammations

• dizziness, addictive, loss of consciousness, headache,

• Alcohol temporary loss of memory, damages liver

• Vinegar • preserve food, adding flavor to a dish

• Nail remover • removes nail paint and other sticky substances

• kill bacteria, whitens teeth, soothes bleeding gum, sore and

• Mouthwash throat

• Baking Powder • neutralize stomach acidity, improves elasticity of dough to

produce a better bake goods.

• Toothpaste • anti-cavity, extra whitening, for sensitivity and many more,

eliminate show scuff and cleaning containers like thermoses
and baby bottles, reduces the bacteria present in our mouth.
• Soaps • Treat dermatological problems like eczema, cleans dirt from
body, clothes and other things. Eliminate body odor.

• Chlorine • irritates the skin, the eyes, and the respiratory system. On
the other hand, it also disinfects, kills bacteria, viruses, and
other microorganisms that cause disease and immediate
illness.

• Pesticides • Pesticide exposure causes immediate health effects such as

irritation of the nose, throat, and skin, which causes burning,
stinging, and itching, as well as rashes and blisters. Nausea,
dizziness, and diarrhea are also common side effects.

• cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Coughing and

• Formalin choking can occur as a result of prolonged exposure or
larger concentrations. Severe exposure can result in
mortality due to throat edema or pulmonary chemical burns.

• Lead • Anemia, weakness, and renal and brain damage are all
possible side effects. Lead poisoning can be fatal in
excessive doses. Because lead can pass through the
placental barrier, pregnant women who are exposed to it risk
exposing their unborn child. The neural system of a
developing newborn can be harmed by lead.
• Gasoline • nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea,
vomiting, confusion and breathing difficulties.

•
• Battery acid difficulty breathing and tightness in your chest, dizziness or
nausea.
• Chemical acid • cause damage if it comes into contact with your lungs, eyes,
stomach, or skin. chemical burns. scarring.

• Paint • serves important functional and aesthetic purposes. irritate

or burn the eyes, nose, throat and skin and cause reactions
such as headaches, dizziness or nausea.
ANALYSIS

1. Poisons and toxins are… Poisons are compounds that cause harm to organisms when
consumed, breathed, or absorbed in large enough quantities. Toxins are harmful substances
produced by living organisms or cells. The presence of toxins is indicated by this indicator. Both
can bring harm to the body and other living organism. It attacks the tissues and cells to lessen
their functional ability and it not treated immediately it can lead to death.

2. It is difficult to eliminate poisons and toxins because they attack the tissues of the organ that
makes them unable to function well. Poisons and toxins damage the tissues of internal and
external organ it also penetrates the cell that works to keep us alive.

3. Poisons can be eliminated through Respiration, Feces, Urine, Milk, Sweat, Saliva, Tears. It
can also be diluted by having the patient drink any of the following: milk, beaten eggs, a
suspension of flour and a glass of water.
APPLICATION

DIRECTION: Make a survey of at least five products containing poisonous chemicals (pesticides,
other related products) that are currently on sell in the local market. Output should submitted
using the following format.

Product Name Poisonous Chemical Specific Content Tolerable Amount

Content (g/L, mg/L, ml/L) (when ingested into
the body)
PERFUME PHTHALATES 300 /L 0%

DETERGENT DIOXANE 20 g/L 0%

POWDER

ATRAZINE, 50 g/L 0%
PARAQUAT,
INSECTICIDE METHYL BROMIDE,
CHLOROPICRIN,
CHLORPYRIFOS,
ABAMECTIN,
BIFENTHRIN,
OXAMYL,
TEFLUTHRIN,
LAMBDA-
CYHALOTHRIN AND
DIPHACINONE.
HYDROCARBO 20-50 g/L 0%
GASOLINE NS

DICLOROBENZ 50 g/L 0%
AIR ENE,
FRESHENER ACETALDEHY
DE, BENZENE,
D-LIMONENE
REFLECTION

• Among the lessons I have learned were poisonous chemicals and their antidotes. There
are many products on the market that are harmful to our health. In addition, I learned
that many of the chemicals we use have long-term effects on our health.
• I faced various challenges in this topic, but I was able to conquer them with the help
of the internet and the abstractions offered.
• In terms of forensic chemistry, I can apply this subject to actual police work. The lesson
is about chemicals that are found in our market or society, and they can also be found
in police work in some situations. We can use this information and apply it to actual
police activity while investigating cases.
 Lesson 2: Blood and Blood Stains

INTRODUCTION

Blood is considered as one the very common physical evidence found in a crime scene in
many different forms and kinds of crime. This lesson discusses on blood and blood stain, its
definition, composition, and importance. It also tackles on the different blood groupings and the
chronological test for blood.

LESSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Define blood and blood stain and identify its composition.
2. Identify the different blood groups.
3. Identify and describe the chronological test for blood.
4. Create a crime investigation scenario that highlight blood as a major physical evidence.
5. Relate the importance of blood in the crime investigation.

TIME FRAME

This lesson should be accomplished within seven days.

LEARNING TASK

Reah Marie Sister B

Princess Angel Sister B

Nainy Queen Sister B

Aurea Aunt A

Merlyn Aunt AB

Ramil Uncle O

ANALYSIS

1. Based on the above survey, which blood type is dominant in your immediate family members?
In your first-degree relatives?
The dominant blood type in my immediate family members and my first degree relative is blood
type B. The blood type of my father is the dominant type in my immediate family.

2. Relate the result of your survey to your blood type. What do you think is the reason of
obtaining such result?
Based on the survey, the blood type of my father is the dominant blood type of my family. I think
my father's gene is more active than my mother.
3. Why blood is considered a serological fluid?
Blood is considered a serological fluid because it is a body fluid found in human body. It is also
classified as a serological fluid since it is a biological fluid that is regularly identified at crime
scenes. Serology is a technique for identifying and classifying blood.

4. Why blood is important physical evidence? In what cases where blood can be used as
physical evidence?
➢ Blood is important physical evidence because it will be use as a circumstantial or
corroborative evidence against or in favor of the perpetrator.
➢ Blood is crucial physical evidence because it can establish a solid connection between a
person and a perpetrator. Blood can also be used to confirm or reject a witness statement
or any words spoken by the suspect in the instance of homicide or murder.
APPLICATION

DIRECTION: Assume that you are the lead investigator in a certain murder case of a business
tycoon. Supposing that there is no other major physical evidence found except for blood, how
will you proceed with the investigation process? Create a list of steps to be followed using the
format below.

TO DO LISTS
• Properly and correctly collect the blood, then take it to the
laboratory for testing.
• Perform preliminary test to identify whether if it is a real blood
or other substance.
• Proceed to confirmatory test, to determine if the stains really
contain blood If it is a real blood, do a precipitin test to determine
if it is a human blood or animal blood.
• Next is blood grouping test to determine the type of blood, it will
also determine if that blood is from the victim or not.
• If the blood is not the victim's blood there is a big possibility that
it belongs to the suspect or any people involve in the incident.
• Using the blood next step is narrow down the blood type to easily
identify the suspect.
• Blood contains DNA so it would be easier to identify the suspect
using those DNA.
• Check for possible matches.
• After finding a match, check for his whereabouts and alibi on the
day the incident happened.
• If proven guilty the suspect would be locked in prison.
REFLECTION
• When it comes to investigating crimes, I've learnt the value of blood or even
stains. I also discovered that any type of blood may be identified.
• Since some of my relatives and family members didn't know their blood types, I
had problems recognizing their blood types, but I eventually got around it by
only including those members of my family who knew their blood type.
• It is definitely linked to police activity since it contains the most up-to-date and
essential information to aid in the investigation of the crime. It will be a great
help in the investigation if we can uncover a blood stain or any other evidence
left at the crime scene that could lead to the suspect.
 Lesson 3: Semen and Seminal Stains

INTRODUCTION

Semen is an important physical evidence primarily in rape cases. This lesson discusses on
the definition and composition of semen. It also enumerates the formed cellular elements. Most
importantly, it discusses on the cases which involved semen and seminal stains.

LESSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

 1. Define semen and seminal stain.
2. Enumerate the composition of semen and seminal fluid and the formed cellular
elements present in the semen.
3. Create a reaction paper on a case presentation from a video.
4. Relate the importance of semen and seminal stain in cases where it is used as physical
evidence.

TIME FRAME

This lesson should be accomplished within seven days.

LEARNING TASK

Direction: Find the words that relates to semen and seminal stain.

A D L E S O D O Y A L
F G I H P S X T U N C
B N I S E M S E N R L
Q S F E R I X S Z N Y
S M J Y M N I T S O V
T E V I D E K N C E W
A S M E K G P S A C B
I Q T I U J O L H K Y
N P X A N E F T H I J
O L P D A A E Y B H P
R A P E J F F L U I D
M N O F U S A E R J F
 ANALYSIS

Direction: Find the words that relates to semen and seminal stain.

1. Semen and seminal stain are important because… Identifying a stain in seminal fluid is the first
phase in DNA profiling. The DNA analyst must then identify whether there are any sperm in the
fluid. It's crucial to know if sperm is present because it includes a lot of DNA that could help identify
the suspect. Also, the presence of sperm and semen in a crime scene can be crucial. In the case
of a suspected rape, the visual detection of sperm can provide evidence. In addition, the genetic
material found in sperm can be examined and utilized to identify a suspect as a genetic fingerprint.

2. The cases which involved semen and seminal stains are… Seminal stains are examined
generally in rape cases, Sodomy, Bestiality, Buccal coitus and in cases of Sexual perversions.

APPLICATION

DIRECTION: Click and watch on the video link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w0ATaU8iyg

After watching, make your reaction and write it on the space provided below.

Write your reaction here!

The video is about the girl who decided to have fun with her friend and
when to a bar and end up getting raped by the owner’s son. This case
there are ups and downs in both sides. But the most damaged one is the
victim's part. What happened affected the victim too much. She faced
psychological problems, she goes through depression, anxiety,
embarrassment and loss of self- confidence because of what happened.
The justice is served in the first trial and the offender serve his sentence
for more than a year. However, because of power, money and connection
the lawyer of the manages to find a loophole of the case that convinced
the judges and acquitted the offender. Leaving the victim suffer for the
second time. Upon watching the video, I observe that there is lacking in
the part of the medical examination. As what I have remembered, the
physician checked the victim and she only stated how the victim look and
the hurt the victim felt when she checked on her and the shock she
experiences. The medical examiner didn't talk, about the state of the
victim's genitalia. She didn't talk about bruises, cut or proof of resistance
that can be found in her genital organ. If those were present, it is solid
evidence against rape and the offender would not get out of prison
because of the reason that the victim didn't resist enough. Rape is rape
and whatever reason the offender has it would be useless if all evidence
is present against rape. The lesson of this story is that, you have to trust
no one. Because at the end of the day, only you will suffer. Having fun is
fine, but you should always have to set a limitation.

REFLECTION

• This course taught me a lot, including how to recognize seminal fluids and blood stains, as
well as how to recognize their structure. This lesson provided me with a lot of information that
I can utilize in the future.
• Everything was challenging at first because it was all new to me, but after listening and
evaluating everything, I was able to come up with a solution and complete this module.
• When investigating crimes involving blood stains, sperm, and other related concerns, this
lesson can be applied to actual police work. We'll learn how to identify blood stains of any
shape, as well as seminal fluids, which can be utilized as evidence at a crime scene and lead
to a suspect.

POST-ASSESSMENT

DIRECTION: Choose and encircle only the letter of the best answer.
1. A whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa
suspended in secretion of accessory glands.
A. Seminal stain C. Semen
B. Phlegm D. Saliva

1. A substance capable of producing noxious effect when introduced into the body and is
absorbed through the blood stream.
A. mineral C. drugs
B. poison D. Nutrients

2. A branch of science that treats of poison, their origin, physical and chemical properties,
physiological action, treatment of their noxious effect and methods of detection.
A. Toxicology C. Oncology
B. Petrology D. Posology

4. Which of the following reagents is/are used in the precipitin test for blood?
A. precipitin C. both a and b
B. antiserum D. none of these

5. It is a test for blood useful for the demonstration and measurement of blood
corpuscles.
A. microscopic test C. spectroscopic test
B. microchemical test D. all of these

6. Which of the following tests for blood uses sodium chloride (table salt) as
reagent?
A. Teicmann test C. Precipitin test
B. Takayama test D. Benzidine test

7. Which of the following is used to locate invisible seminal stain in clothing?

A. Spectroscope C. Florence Test
B. Ultraviolet light D. Microscopic examination

8. The standard test used to determine whether the blood stain is of human or
animal origin.
A. Preliminary test C. Precipitin test
B. Confirmatory test D. Blood grouping test

9. A substance that act chiefly upon the spinal column producing such spasmodic and
continuous contraction of muscles.
A. Neurotics C. depressants
B. tetanics D. corrosives

10. A kind of poisoning in which there is gradual deterioration of functioning of tissues and may
or may not result in death.
A. Acute poisoning
B. chronic poisoning
C. suicidal poisoning
D. sub-acute poisoning

11. It is the most delicate and reliable test for the determination of the presence
of blood in both old and recent stains.
A. Microscopic test C. Spectroscopic test
 B. Microchemical test D. None of these

12. The following are examinations applied for seminal fluid and seminal stains
except:
A. Physical C. Chemical
B. Microscopic D. None of these

13. Which of the following is used as chemical test for seminal fluid and seminal
stain?
A. Florence Test C. Barberio’s Test
B. Acid-Phosphatase Test D. All of these

14. A branch of science that treats the form and quantity of medicine to be administered within
a certain period.
A. Toxicology C. Oncology
B. Petrology D. Posology

15. Seminal stain exhibits what color under ultraviolet light?

A. reddish stint C. yellowish
B. grayish white D. bluish fluorescence

CLOSURE

LEAVE AN IMPRESSION
Direction: You need to end this module by living two impressions. Write it in the minimum of
50 words and maximum of 100 words each question.

My first impression about the topic is:

This topic grabbed my attention because it allowed me to broaden my understanding of

toxicology and posology, as well as blood and blood stains, sperm, and seminal fluids. It also
has a significant impact on my future employment because it was part of our specialization. It
was tough for me to understand at first, but after reading it thoroughly, I uncovered several new
information. I'm hoping that the next set of lessons will cover more material.

My second impression about the topic is:

My second impression about the topic is I found it both enjoyable and challenging to handle and
understand this form of training on my own. I know it will be more difficult, but I will be able to
answer it independently, which will be highly valuable to me and my future goals. By studying
this type of material, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of my chosen field.
 Congratulations for completing Module 4! Make sure to submit all your tasks output in this
module.

SUMMARY

● Forensic toxicology is the study of poisons to the elucidation of question that arise in
judicial proceedings.

● A poison is any agent which may produce an injurious or deadly effect when introduced
into the living body.

● Poisons are classified based on the following:

1. According to Kingdom
2. According to Chemical Properties
3. According to Physiological Action
4. According to Pharmacological Action
5. According to Methods of Isolation

● Poisons are identified based on:

1. Medical point of View
2. Legal Point of View

● Blood is a complex connective tissue consisting of living blood cells (formed elements)
suspended in a non-living fluid matrix known as plasma.

● Determination of blood can be done through:

1. Preliminary Test
2. Confirmatory Test
3. Precipitin Test
4. Blood Grouping Test

● Semen is a whitish fluid of the male reproductive tract consisting of spermatozoa suspended
in the secretion of accessory glands.

● Semen can be found as fresh in vaginal or rectal contents of the victim, wet or dried condition
in hairs and skin around the genitals, or dry stains in underclothing and bed clothing.

● Semen and Seminal Stain can be determined through:

1. Physical Examination
2. Chemical Examination
3. Microscopic Examination
4. Biological Examination

REFERENCES

Canete, A. (2010). Essentials of forensic chemistry and toxicology. Wiseman’s books

 trading, inc.
Saferstein, R. (2004). Criminalistics: introduction to forensic science. Pearson
education, inc.
Urbano, A. (2008). Forensic chemistry and toxicology. Wiseman’s books trading, inc.