12.2 Presumptive Assays for identification presumptive assay reagents may further dilute a sample and thus lead to difficulty in isolating sufficient amounts of DNA for forensic DNA analysis. 12.2.3.1 Luminol (3-Aminophthalhydrazide) Luminol is usually utilized as a chemilurninescent reagent. The oxidation reaction of luminol catalyzed by heme produces light in the presence of an oxidant (Figures 12.12 through 12.14) ‘The light emitted from a positive reaction can only be observed in the dark, which limits the i aber CIC sme no Ta . Figure 12.12 Chemical reaction of luminol assay. Figure 12.13 Results obtained from testing a drop of blood an a glass plate with luminol. From left 10 right: drop of blood; drop of blood after spraying with luminol; drop of blood after spraying with luminol and viewing in the dark. A blue chemiluminescence indicates the presence of blood. (From Bergervoet, P.W., ef al, J Hosp Infect, 68, 329-333, 2008, With permission) Figure 12.14 Detecting latent bloodstains on a floor with luminol. Left: with the light on; right: immediately after the light is switched off. A blue chemiluminescence indicates the presence of blood traces. (From Bergervoet, P.W., et al., / Hosp Infect, 68, 329-333, 2008. With permission.) 237