Which test is typically used to determine if blood is human or animal?

The Hematrace test specifically targets the proteins found in human blood, making it a reliable method for distinguishing between human and animal blood. This test uses antibodies that bind to human hemoglobin, producing a detectable reaction that indicates the presence of human blood. Its specificity towards human blood ensures that the results are clear and focused solely on human samples.

In contrast, DNA sequencing, while powerful for identifying the exact source of biological samples, is more complex and can be used to analyze both human and animal DNA. Blood typing typically focuses on categorizing blood into different groups (like A, B, AB, O), rather than determining its species origin. Microscopic examination can provide insights into the morphology of blood cells but does not definitively differentiate between human and animal blood unless additional methods are employed. Therefore, Hematrace is the most straightforward and appropriate test for this specific purpose.