Question:

Parents complain that their child was assaulted by a relative and the child has anal pain. On investigation a test shows yellow needle-shaped crystals on adding picric acid. What is the name of the test?

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Picric acid producing yellow spermine crystals names this test.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Florence test
  • Barberio's test
  • Acid phosphatase test
  • Creatine phosphokinase test
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Answer: Barberio's test.
Step 1: Barberio's test detects spermine, a component of prostatic secretion in semen. A saturated aqueous or alcoholic solution of picric acid is added to the suspected seminal fluid.
Step 2: If semen is present, yellow needle-shaped (rhombic) crystals of spermine picrate form, confirming the presence of seminal fluid.
Step 3: Compare the others. The Florence test uses iodine solution and gives dark-brown rhombic crystals of choline periodide. The acid phosphatase test detects the high acid phosphatase of prostatic secretion but does not use picric acid. Creatine phosphokinase is not a seminal-fluid test. The picric-acid plus yellow-crystal clue points to Barberio's test.
Ref: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, K.S. Narayan Reddy, 33rd edition, pg 434.
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