Detection of prostate specific antigen by ELISA.

A method for the detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA or P30) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed. The method was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity and compared to other methods of semen identification on numerous casework samples. A sensitivity of less than 1 ng/mL PSA is routinely achieved. Numerous domestic contaminants and body fluids were tested and none were found to give a false-positive result. However, false-negative results did occur in samples contaminated with detergents. Additionally, some poorly preserved items of evidence did not give positive results where expected. In spite of these minor limitations, this method was found to be highly sensitive and specific and an efficient method for identifying semen in forensic casework.