Intraperitoneal injection of luminol (5-amino-2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione, sodium salt) enables detection of acute inflammation largely mediated by tissue-infiltrating neutrophils. While the animal is still under anesthesia, intraperitoneally (i.p.) inject the luminol solution (10 mg/ml) for acute inflammation imaging. The final dosage is 100 mg/kg for luminol.

Presumptive test for blood: Sodium perborate (3.5 g of Aldrich product number 24,412-0) is added to 500 mL distilled water and thoroughly dissolved. Sodium carbonate (25 g) and luminol (9.5 g) are then added and dissolved. The solution is allowed to stand for five minutes to allow any undissolved chemicals to settle. The solution is then decanted into a plastic spray bottle and is ready to use. It should be applied as a fine mist on the surface to be tested. True bloodstains will luminesce with an even glow that will last for several seconds; for better viewing, the scene should be as dark as possible. It is significant to note that this test is only presumptive, since it is the iron in the heme which catalyzes the oxidation and subsequent light emission. The presence of copper as a contaminant will accelerate oxidation. Try the spray on a freshly cleaned copper penny.