Blood group determinations in forensic dentistry.

The identification of A, B, and H substances is a useful tool in forensic examinations. At the present time fresh blood or blood stains are used most extensively for blood group detection in forensic cases. Various body fluids from secretors also contain A, B, and H substances, and recent techniques have increased the reliability of the determination of blood group substances present. Soft and hard tissues also contain blood group substances, but at the present time these are not used routinely in forensic examinations. However, adaption of the more sensitive assays may increase the utilization of these tissues. Of particular value would be the development of simpler methods for blood group substances in teeth, since teeth are more resistant to putrefication than most other substances.