Phadebas® Forensic Saliva Test

The Phadebas® Forensic Press Test provides a standardised method for locating suspected saliva stains on evidential items. Developed for forensic laboratory use, Phadebas Paper Product 1315 comes in convenient A3 sheets ready for use.

The test detects α-amylase activity, which is commonly associated with saliva. Therefore, forensic practitioners can use the paper to help identify areas that may require further examination or confirmatory testing.

Standardised Phadebas® Forensic Testing

Historically, some forensic laboratories prepared their own test papers by crushing Phadebas tablets and applying the resulting slurry to filter paper.

However, manual preparation could introduce differences between batches. Pre-prepared Phadebas® Forensic Press Test paper provides a more consistent alternative.

Because the manufacturer sensitises the sheets during production, laboratories receive a ready-to-use product. As a result, users can reduce preparation time and improve consistency between examinations.

Consistent Batch-Controlled Test Paper

Each pack carries a batch number and expiry date. Consequently, laboratories can record the product details within their quality and traceability systems.

Standardised manufacture also reduces the variability associated with individually prepared laboratory papers.

Key benefits include:

• Standardised pre-sensitised test paper
• Reduced preparation requirements
• Batch identification for traceability
• Clearly stated expiry information
• Consistent format between packs
• Suitable for established forensic laboratory workflows

How the Phadebas® Press Test Works

The paper contains a reagent system that reacts with α-amylase.

During examination, the practitioner brings the sensitised paper into contact with the area being tested. If sufficient amylase activity is present, a blue colour reaction develops on the paper.

The resulting colour change helps indicate the location of the suspected saliva deposit. Therefore, the examiner can identify areas for subsequent forensic examination or sampling.

As with other presumptive or localisation techniques, laboratories should use the test in accordance with their validated procedures and quality requirements.

Ready to Use

Phadebas® Forensic Press Test sheets come ready for use directly from the pack. Therefore, laboratories do not need to prepare sensitised filter paper before each examination.

This can save valuable bench time. In addition, it reduces the handling and preparation involved in producing laboratory-made test materials.

Large A3 Format

Each sheet comes in A3 format, providing a practical surface area for screening larger evidential items.

Furthermore, laboratories can use the larger sheet size when examining areas that would otherwise require several smaller pieces of test paper.

Each pack contains 25 A3 sheets.

Key Features

• Phadebas® Forensic Press Test
• Product reference 1315
• Designed for forensic saliva localisation
• Detects α-amylase activity
• Ready-to-use sensitised paper
• Standardised manufacture
• Batch number and expiry date
• A3 sheet format
• 25 sheets per pack
• Suitable for forensic laboratory use
• Helps identify areas for further examination or sampling

Technical Specification

Product: Phadebas® Forensic Press Test
Product Number: 1315
Test Principle: α-amylase detection
Format: Pre-sensitised paper
Sheet Size: A3
Pack Quantity: 25 sheets
Result: Blue colour reaction where sufficient amylase activity is detected
Application: Forensic localisation of suspected saliva stains