Introduction to Saliva and Its Forensic Analysis

Saliva is a complex biological, extracellular fluid secreted by acinar cells of the major and minor salivary glands. Saliva has been an important piece of forensic evidence in cases of molestation, and drug/alcohol intake, for DNA profiling without the suspect knowing because of its ease of availability and non-invasive collection method. The analysis of saliva is also quite cost-effective, adding to the reason for saliva being a very preferred medium of choice in forensic/criminal investigation among all bodily fluids. Tests for identification include preliminary and confirmatory tests. A preliminary test can provide possibilities of the presence of saliva at the crime scene while a confirmatory test can identify a specific genetic material. Analysis of saliva can shed light on a person’s physiological and psychological conditions, providing information about eating habits, behaviors, abnormalities, and even sex and age.