Detection of the human origin of blood or tissue: use of a monoclonal antibody specific to human albumin

Describes the development and testing of monoclonal antibody probes specific to the human protein albumin, which is a 66,000-dalton molecule present in serum and tissue. The monoclonal antibodies were employed in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) capable of detecting nanogram amounts of this protein. The assay was developed under contract from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to detect the presence of human albumin in forensic specimens, and thus determine the species of origin of an unknown blood stain. This assay has not been validated on archaeological specimens, but is described in this volume to acquaint the archaeological community with key concepts and research reagents that may be used in determining the species of origin of unknown, presumptive blood or tissue stains or fragments.