Effectiveness of the Jaffe Test for Urine Mark on Denim Fabric Over a 15-Day Period

Abstract

This research has evaluation of forensic analysis of urine stain on denim fabric. Application of Jaffe test for the creatinine measurement for 15 days duration. Urine stains can be useful evidence for criminal investigations. Denim is commonly worn clothing and gives rise to interesting forensic opportunities. The Jaffe test confirms urine stains presence in an object. It is a colorimetric technique that ascertains creatinine levels in an alkaline solution. The Jaffe test uses interaction between picric acid and creatinine to yield this result. The steps involved in Jaffe\'s test is described. Involves sampling, preparation, spectrophotometrically analysis, etc. To allow interference from the various compounds either in the urine or in the fabric, a protein-free filtrate is needed. Furthermore, urine detection is more reliable when using direct on denim testing than swabbing. Analysis of urine stains on denim come with many difficulties. The construction of denim itself has been investigated as a likely source of interference. The essay discusses the wider implication of urine detection in forensic cases. Detecting urine could help establish a timeline of events and can corroborate witness statements over that time period. In conclusion, the use of analytical tests like the Jaffe test with forensic techniques may help in the ability of urine analysis done over 15 days on denim fabric to be corroborated and validated. This approach leads to a thorough and comprehensive analysis. This will help in analysing evidence. Furthermore, it will also help in implied legal consequences. Most importantly, it strengthens the integration of the judicial process.

Introduction

The text explains the forensic importance of urine detection in crime investigations, especially in cases like sexual assault, murder, and drug-related crimes. Urine is a valuable trace evidence because it can help establish timelines, confirm suspect presence, and support reconstruction of crime scenes. However, its detection becomes difficult over time due to environmental factors such as heat, light, and microbial degradation.

A key method used for presumptive urine identification is the Jaffe test, which detects creatinine in urine. In this test, creatinine reacts with picric acid in an alkaline solution (sodium hydroxide) to produce an orange-red color, indicating a positive result. This simple and quick test is widely used in forensic science because creatinine remains relatively stable and helps confirm the presence of urine stains.

The study also describes urine composition, including water, urea, salts (sodium, potassium, chloride), and creatinine, and explains how urine is formed in the kidneys through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.

In the experimental part, urine samples were applied to denim fabric and exposed to natural environmental conditions for up to 15 days. The Jaffe test was then performed at different time intervals to observe changes in detection. Results showed that environmental exposure reduces urine detectability over time, with color reactions becoming weaker as stains degrade.

Conclusion

The method used in this study of presumptive testing of urine stains on denim fabric for 15 days using the Jaffe test has been effective and can be used for reliable detection of creatinine. The positive results shown throughout the study confirm that the Jaffe test is reliable enough for forensic investigation in identifying urine helpful for linking a suspect to the scene of a crime and linking to others. Urine might be located on a cloth despite it being there for some time now. This is why urine analysis is important. Although there were differences in colour intensity of the samples because of environmental factors, the Jaffe test is effective. It shows that forensic people should know the biochemistry of urine and all factors that may interfere with its detection. In the end, forensic scientists should priority urine analysis as important evidence. Types of evidence like the Jaffe test help give an endorsement that can impact case results. It contributes to social justice. The development of forensic techniques and further research on biological evidence will reinforce urine analysis as an important component of forensic investigations.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Aarju Surywanshi, Dipu Bharti, Piyush Kant Mishra, Vijay Panchal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.