’Crime Scene Investigation’ methods could help in the battle against hospital infections

Journal of Hospital Infection, April 24, 2008

Investigators in the Netherlands have trialed methods used by forensic scientists at crime scenes to highlight infection risks in their hospital. Researchers used Luminol, a chemical used by crime scene investigators, to detect traces of blood in their haemodialysis unit. Luminol reacts with microscopic amounts of blood to produce bright blue luminescence to allow investigators to track invisible blood splashes in the environment The group of researchers suggests that Luminol could be used as part of a hospital infection control regimen, in order to highlight risks associated with the contamination of the hospital environment with blood.