MCQ – 95068

 Barbero’s test, conducted on the stains from a sexual assault incident, is used to identify which substance?

Correct Answer » A Explanation

Barberio’s test is a forensic microcrystal test used for the identification of semen stains. It specifically detects spermine, a polyamine present in seminal fluid.

When semen is treated with saturated picric acid solution, yellow needle-shaped crystals of spermine picrate are formed.

This test is commonly used in:

• Sexual assault investigations
• Examination of dried seminal stains
• Forensic confirmation of seminal fluid

Explanation of the Correct Answer

A. Spermine 

• Barberio’s test detects spermine present in semen.
• Principle:
  • Spermine reacts with picric acid.
  • Forms yellow needle-shaped spermine picrate crystals.
• It is considered a confirmatory test for seminal stains.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

B. Acid phosphatase 

• Acid phosphatase is detected by the Acid phosphatase test.
• It is a screening test for semen.
• The enzyme is abundant in prostatic secretions.
• It is not identified by Barberio’s test.

C. Choline 

• Choline is identified by the Florence test.
• Florence test produces brown rhombic crystals of choline periodide.
• Therefore:
  • Florence test → Choline
  • Barberio’s test → Spermine

D. Fructose 

• Fructose is present in seminal vesicle secretions.
• It is detected by:
  • Resorcinol test
  • Selivanoff’s test
• Not detected by Barberio’s test.