Perhaps less well-known than other scientific disciplines is forensic science. However, forensic science courses are attracting a lot of interest as crime rates rise. The application of scientifically based information and methods to criminal investigations and crime scene investigation is known as forensic science. Physics, chemistry, psychology, biology (including botany), and digital & cyber forensics are all part of forensic science. We have read about the most common forensic science careers. We will talk about how to pursue a career in forensic science or how to become a forensic serologist in this article.
Forensic Serology: procedure and how to become a serologist
The analysis and investigation of body fluids is the main area of interest for forensic serologists. The association of the subject’s serological data with a physical individual or group of individuals is made possible by the identification of such personal biological data. Forensic serology is primarily divided into excreted (feces, vomit, and perspiration, often known as skin oil) and secreted (blood, saliva, urine, plasma, and semen); this is significant because it suggests distinct processes for different analyses.
Forensic serology procedures
The samples must first be located, gathered, and transported to the labs. The sequence of tests on the corresponding fluids starts here. The first step is figuring out what kind of body fluid the sample that was taken actually is. Nevertheless, there are some states where the serological tests are legally acceptable without any further expert testimony, mostly for the sake of shielding and safeguarding the lab professionals who work there.
However, in general, the following guidelines apply to everyone involved in the crime scene investigation process: When collecting liquid samples, latex gloves, surgical masks, full-coverage gowns, eye protection, labeling all blood samples, adding a note of caution if biohazards like AIDS or hepatitis are suspected, and destroying tags and reports that have been splattered with blood and other bodily fluids are all required.
Evidence is always gathered in accordance with a set protocol that may include assistance, note-taking, and occasionally diagrams or images taken at the crime scene. Another very important distinction about the investigating procedure needs to be made. The purpose of the presumptive tests is to determine whether a body fluid is present, whereas the procedure’s primary benefit is that it helps to exclude some possibilities. The probability of false positives and highly sensitive drugs is the main danger associated with these tests.
The method is typically employed to determine basic data and create a plan for the investigation’s subsequent tests.
Confirmatory tests, which are used to definitively identify the type of biological material, are the second form of identification. The main benefit of this method (which occasionally sums together additional analyses) is the lower chance of false positive test findings. The very expensive materials and equipment needed to accomplish the diagnosis is the reason it is less common. The duration between the test and the final confirmation result may also be lengthy.
What Is A Serologist?
The majority of forensic serologists work for federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations. They typically put in a 40-hour workweek, but if there are a lot of cases in the lab, they might need to stay later.
Typically, serologists carry out the following tasks:
- Create and oversee research projects examining disease in people or animals, disease prevention strategies, and disease therapies.
- Conduct research to create strategies, tools, and processes for medical use, analyzing data and disseminating findings to the public and scientific community.
- Research the physiological functions and health of animals and people.
- To prevent contamination when handling harmful products, adhere to strict safety standards.
- Write for scientific publications and publish articles there.
Though some may occasionally go to crime scenes to gather evidence, the majority of them spend their whole day in the crime lab. Field serologists may experience environmental dangers like harsh weather and unhygienic environments. They must also keep an eye out for any hazards at the crime scene, such as shattered glass, firearms, potentially harmful substances, and other dangers. Although they are required to follow safety procedures when analysing and testing bodily fluids, serologists based at the crime lab benefit from generally safe and comfortable working surroundings.
Responsibilities
Forensic serologists may test samples provided to them by detectives, medical examiners, or crime scene investigators, or they may examine evidence to look for body fluids. They have to decide whether a sample is viable before they may analyze it. Sometimes there isn’t enough fluid to do the test, or the substance can be contaminated or too old to give accurate results. To test for drugs or to determine whether bodily fluids discovered at a scene belong to a suspect, serologists analyze samples under a microscope or utilize other tools. They then compile their results in a written report that is added to the case files after being examined by another forensic expert. Additionally, courts may request forensic scientists to provide testimony about their findings.
Skills
Despite the fact that forensic serologists frequently spend a lot of time in the lab studying samples, they still need to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. They may work with other forensic specialists and submit progress reports to their managers or the police investigating the case. They frequently work on multiple samples at once, so they must manage their time well to finish their analysis and their written reports on time. They also need to be well organized and have the capacity to multitask. Criminal investigations may be compromised if deadlines are missed.
By examining bodily fluids discovered at crime scenes, such as blood, urine, saliva, and semen, forensic serologists support criminal investigations. Their work can assist police narrow down the pool of potential suspects, pinpointing the cause of death, and piece together the timeline of an incident. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job possibilities are expected to grow by 19% between 2010 and 2020.
How To Become A Serologist
A biology college degree is a minimum requirement for forensic serologists, ideally with extra coursework in math and criminal justice. Additionally, some law enforcement organizations could demand graduate degrees in biology, forensic science, or criminal justice. Even though it is not compulsory, an internship that provides practical experience can help job prospects and get students ready for full-time employment. Some businesses also mandate courses for ongoing education. Although the majority of businesses do not demand it, forensic serologists can also obtain certification in forensic biology or investigation.
Salaries of a Forensic Scientist
Different career roles in the field of forensic science in the federal, state, and local governments can make an average yearly pay of between $107,810 and $57,240. In the private sector, the starting wage range for forensic science positions is between Rs. 3 lahks and Rs. 4 lahks annually. An experienced candidate could make between Rs. 6 lahks and Rs. 8 lahks annually.
In India, a district scientific officer, who is on par with the District Superintendent of Police, can make about Rs. 54,000 per month, compared to a senior scientific assistant who can make over Rs. 30,000 per month.
Forensic scientists may expect to make an annual salary of about $52,000 in the US, or an average of $25.75 per hour. It is crucial to remember that salaries might vary widely based on your region, area of specialization, level of education, and training.
A candidate can make an average yearly income of $97,400 in other international nations. Around $33,860 is the lowest pay that can be made abroad annually.
