Unanticipated issues in serological analysis of blood species - The Shroud of Turin as a case example

Abstract

Serological analysis of blood on objects can be challenging, particularly those for which limited background information is available. The Shroud of Turin is an aged linen cloth that shows the images of a man bearing wounds corresponding to scourging and crucifixion. The bloodstains on the Shroud are often reported as being human in origin; however, a modern revaluation of the prior experimental design indicates that blood from other species would have also tested positive. The current perspective underscores the importance of consideration of a broad spectrum of potential cross-reactivity in bloodstain analysis, particularly with objects that are of indefinite origin.

Keywords

• Serology
• Antibody
• Shroud of Turin
• Blood
• Species