Identification of fetal bloodstains by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for human alpha-fetoprotein.

A rapid and highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for determination of human alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) using commercially available reagents was devised and applied to identification of fetal bloodstains. When experimentally prepared bloodstains, 1 by 2 mm in area, were submitted to analysis, only fetal bloodstains showed positive reactions in the present ELISA. The reactions did not change significantly when these bloodstains were stored at room temperature for one week. The present ELISA seems to be suitable for forensic science practice.