Introduction

Body fluids, bodily fluids, bio-fluids, or body liquids are liquids secreted within the human body. Their ubiquitous nature makes them crucial evidence in a crime scene investigation. Primary body fluids include blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid, menstrual blood, urine, faeces, vitreous humour, and cerebrospinal fluid. Forensic examination of body fluids can help in linking the crime scene, victim, and accused. Toxicological analysis of body fluids can help identify the drugs and their metabolites, however, their relation with actual concentration must be interpreted with caution. Another important application of body fluids is determining time since death or postmortem interval (PMI). DNA analysis of body fluids helps in identifying the contributor. Because of their immense potential in crime scene investigation, the correct collection, preservation, and storage of body fluids is the key. In this chapter, the forensic significance of individual body fluids has been discussed along with their collection, preservation, and storage methods.