Investigating CSI – Background material Table of Contents I ...
Investigating CSI – Background material Table of Contents I ...
Investigating CSI – Background material Table of Contents I ...
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Acid Phosphatase Test<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the unique properties associated with semen is the presence <strong>of</strong> an<br />
enzyme called prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP). PAP is not a single enzyme but<br />
an array <strong>of</strong> related isoenzymes from a variety <strong>of</strong> sources. The PAP assay is a<br />
well-documented presumptive assay for the presence <strong>of</strong> semen (1-4). Acid<br />
phosphatase activity is 50-1000 times greater in human semen than in any other<br />
bodily fluid. Unfortunately, the use <strong>of</strong> acid phosphatase as a marker for semen is<br />
compromised because the vagina is also a source <strong>of</strong> vaginal acid phosphatase.<br />
Since seminal and vaginal acid phosphatase can not discriminate, the only<br />
approach to differentiating semen in vaginal secretion is by quantitative analysis.<br />
Finding a significantly elevated acid phosphatase level is consistent with the<br />
presence <strong>of</strong> semen. For example, if semen is present the acid phosphatase<br />
assay is very robust and solution will immediately turn a deep purple color. If the<br />
solution does not immediately turn purple or takes several minute to hour to turn<br />
color then you are more than likely detecting endogenous vaginal acid<br />
phosphatase and not semen.<br />
Principle <strong>of</strong> enzyme-linked detection:<br />
Source: http://www.dnatesting.biz/Semen_Sperm_ID/semen_sperm_id.html<br />
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