Research Paper Praises Capabilities of Crime-lite ML PRO and Assesses Impact of Substrate Fabrics on Body Fluid Visualisation.
A recent study from the Department of Forensic Genetics at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland, assess the impact of fabric composition and colour on the visualisation of biological traces including blood, saliva, semen, and urine, using our forensic laboratory-specific light source, the Crime-lite ML PRO.
The research, conducted by Lisman et al., praised the capabilities of the Crime-lite ML PRO, summarising that the device was “effective in detecting biological traces”, and noting that the ML PRO “can be used to reveal biological traces on various substrates, detect the presence of bodily fluids, and locate even the smallest fragments of traces”.
The study involved applying body fluids and lubricants such as egg white and beetroot juice to thirteen fabrics of various compositions and colours, including natural and synthetic materials, before comparing visualisation results under different illumination wavelengths.
Optimised for Body Fluid Visualisation
The authors draw attention to several specific features of the Crime-lite ML PRO 2 which make it effective for the visualisation of body fluids on various fabric substrates:
High Sensitivity
The Crime-lite ML PRO features a scientific grade Vis/IR camera, optimised for forensic analysis with a 30x optical zoom, with the authors noting that the device “is characterized by high sensitivity, allowing for the detection of even minimal biological traces. This is crucial in investigations where diverse fabrics can affect the visibility of traces”.
Automatic Calibration
The paper praises the automatic calibration capability of the device, stating that it “ensures that the device maintains consistent performance, minimizes potential variability, and provides stable results across all samples”, and that “this mode incorporates an additional control scan beyond the standard program range to enhance the precision and reliability of the results.”
The automatic calibration capability of the device influenced the decision to include 10 scans per fabric in the study, guaranteeing that “the data collected is both accurate and reproducible, even when analysing trace materials under varying conditions.”
Multispectral Illumination
The authors note that the device “features fully integrated UV-Vis-IR lighting and an imaging system”, and that they make routine use of the ML PRO for the examination of physical evidence in the laboratory, with the multiple available wavelengths “enabling the detection of various biological traces such as blood, saliva, semen, and sweat.” The high-intensity all-LED illumination available at each wavelength ensures consistent performance and maximum uptime, enhancing the value of the device in busy laboratory settings.
Preset Examination Modes
The study made use of built-in illumination and filtration preset programmes for body fluids and blood, with the authors noting that “the selected programmes enabled rapid analysis across a wide range of wavelengths for specific biological traces.” The ML PRO also enables users to create their own custom preset configurations, providing expert examiners with ultimate flexibility and further accelerating laboratory workflows.
Conclusions
In their conclusion, the authors underscore the importance of examiner expertise in utilising this advanced forensic tool to achieve optimum results, noting that “the variability in results highlights the need for tailored approaches depending on fabric type and colour”, and that while the “Crime-lite ML PRO is a powerful forensic tool, its effective use requires proper training, control over environmental factors, and awareness of the costs involved in purchasing and maintaining the device to avoid errors and inefficiencies”.
We share these views and believe firmly in the importance of examiner expertise and robust training in getting the most from our devices. As such, we are pleased to offer training programmes delivered by our own in-house experts, along with detailed user guides and manuals for each product. Furthermore, although they cannot replace professional expertise and experience, the research-backed presets* included in our multispectral imaging systems, such as the Crime-lite ML PRO and mobile Crime-lite AUTO, provide an excellent starting point to help less experienced examiners achieve outstanding results, while accelerating workflows at the laboratory and crime scene for examiners of every level.
Notes
It is worth noting that the study makes use of the Crime-lite ML PRO, released in 2020. This device has now been replaced in our range by the Crime-lite ML PRO 2, released in 2024 and featuring an updated camera and additional filtration options. Click here to learn more about our latest laboratory imaging system.
*Visit PVL: Ground Truth Studies | Foster + Freeman to learn more about our Product Validation Library project, which underpins these presets. This ongoing investigation into the use of high intensity illumination and narrowband optical filters to detect body fluids on fabric, featuring over 18,000 images of body fluids on 300+ garment types informs our regularly updated PVL Presets for the Crime-lite AUTO.
Read the full paper for free here.
Learn more about the Crime-lite ML PRO 2
A simple and intuitive imaging solution, the Crime-lite ML PRO 2 is a semi-automated evidence screening tool built to meet the demands of busy forensic laboratories tasked with processing a broad variety of evidence types.