How BlueStar Works
BlueStar is a luminol-based chemiluminescent reagent. When sprayed onto a surface containing trace blood, the luminol reacts with iron in haemoglobin through a catalytic oxidation reaction — producing an intense blue chemiluminescent glow visible in semi-darkness.
Unlike older luminol formulations, BlueStar provides a longer-lasting reaction, allowing investigators ample time to photograph and document bloodstains without special equipment. The reaction does not denature DNA — making BlueStar the preferred choice for forensic casework where subsequent DNA profiling is required.
BlueStar detects blood even after attempts to clean the scene — reacting with latent bloodstains that have been washed, bleached, or painted over. Invaluable for cold case investigations and crime scene reconstruction.
Available in ready-to-use liquid form and convenient tablet form — simply dissolve in distilled water, swirl, and spray. Trusted in forensic laboratories and law enforcement agencies across the globe.
Visible in semi-darkness
Detectable even after cleaning
Detection threshold: 1 in 100,000
Why Investigators Choose BlueStar
BlueStar outperforms standard luminol in every forensic application — stronger signal, longer reaction, safer handling, and DNA evidence integrity.
Why Forensic Laboratories Choose BlueStar
Formulated specifically for forensic casework — where sensitivity, DNA compatibility, and field practicality are all critical.
Specifically formulated to minimise DNA degradation. Full STR profiles have been obtained from BlueStar-treated bloodstains — critical for forensic investigations.
Detects blood at 1 in 100,000 concentrations — reacting with trace quantities invisible to the naked eye, including diluted, degraded, and aged samples.
Detects bloodstains washed, bleached, or painted over. Invaluable for crime scene reconstruction where evidence concealment is suspected.
Convenient tablet form — dissolve in water at the crime scene. No hazardous transport requirements. Safe and practical for field investigators.
Ready-to-use liquid in spray bottles for immediate application. Ideal for laboratory use and crime scenes requiring large surface area coverage.
Effective on aged bloodstains from historical crime scenes — supporting reinvestigation of unsolved cases where evidence may be years old.
BlueStar Products
Available in multiple formulations and pack sizes for crime scene, laboratory, and training applications.
Complete ready-to-use formulations for immediate crime scene application. Full sensitivity — DNA preservation critical for forensic casework.
- Kit (500 ml / 16 oz) — complete single use
- Medium Kit (250 ml each, 2 applications)
- Mini Kit (125 ml each, 2 applications)
- Magnum — super strength for washed clothing
Compact tablet formulations for field use. Dissolve in distilled water at point of use — eliminating hazardous transport requirements.
- Tablets 4 Applications (125 ml – 500 ml)
- Tablets 8 Applications (125 ml – 1 litre)
- Sealed foil pouches or plastic tubes
- Long shelf life in tablet form
Training-specific formulations for education and demonstration purposes only. Note: will destroy DNA — not suitable for forensic casework.
- Training 4 Applications (foil pouches)
- Training 8 Applications (plastic tubes)
- For training purposes only
A suite of complementary immunochromatographic tests for complete forensic biological evidence workflow.
- OBTI — presumptive test for human blood origin
- Identi-PSA — PSA / semen detection
- Identi-HEM — human haemoglobin detection
- BlueSPRAY — pressurised micro-diffuser
BlueStar vs Standard Luminol
BlueStar is specifically formulated for forensic casework — offering significant advantages over standard luminol reagents.
What Forensic Professionals Say
BlueStar has been independently evaluated and cited in peer-reviewed forensic science literature globally.
"BlueStar performed as well as luminol and fluorescein and in some cases, BlueStar performed better."T. Young — Grossmont College, El Cajon, CAJournal of Forensic Identification, 2006
"Full profiles at the 13 core CODIS STR loci were obtained, demonstrating that BlueStar does not inhibit STR analysis."Cathy J. Jakovich — San Diego Sheriff's Crime Laboratory, CAJournal of Forensic Identification, 2007
"The use of BlueStar provided the best results for easy photography and visualization even with the challenges of the vertical wall."Russell Lupica — South Bend Police Department, INJournal of Forensic Identification, 2017
"Full profiles at the 13 core CODIS STR loci were obtained, demonstrating that BlueStar does not inhibit STR analysis."L. Dilbeck — Scottsdale Police Department, AZJournal of Forensic Identification, 2007
Enquire About BlueStar Forensic
Contact the Advanced Biotech team for pricing, availability, and technical specifications for BlueStar forensic products in Australia.