Everything You Need To Know About Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

After a violent crime, many people are unsatisfied with the information they receive from general scientific analysis prompting them to seek bloodstain pattern analysis services. Bloodstain pattern analysis has been used during criminal investigations to provide forensic information about crimes under investigation. The process involves interpreting the bloodstains in a crime scene to recreate the event's happenings. From the analysis, the investigators can tell where the blood came from, movements that happened after the bloodshed, and potential culprits. The information is then used to corroborate or refute statements from the witnesses. Below are some of the components used by forensic investigators to recreate the crime scene.

1. Bloodstain Type

The bloodstain's appearance and size are dependent on the distance covered, velocity it was traveling with, impact angle, and the amount of blood. If the bloodstain is a single drop, it fell vertically before landing on the surface. If it is an impact spatter, it confirms a clash between an object and blood, making the blood break into tiny droplets. On the other hand, transfer bloodstains help explain the sequence of events by tracing the bloodstain movements.

2. Bloodstains Pattern Examination

The forensic investigator considers various factors that guide them in interpreting the bloodstain patterns. For instance, a bloodstain pattern will have a different impact after landing on a soft fabric than a metallic surface. The bloodstain analyst also tells the direction one moved after an injury and the duration since the bloodshed. Additionally, the investigators examine invisible bloodstain patterns or those that a criminal may alter to clear evidence.

3. Point of Origin

While reconstructing the crime scene, the investigator must determine the point of origin depending on the direction and angle of impact. Once they identify the point of origin, it is easy to decide the angle at which the bloodstain landed on a surface. After placing the origin and impact position, the investigator documents the bloodstain patterns by photographing the entire scene. The bloodstains are then collected for evidence by removing the objects from the crime scene and packaging them carefully to ensure the bloodstains are not altered.

Takeaway

Bloodstain pattern analysis is crucial during a forensic investigation to help determine several crime facts. The information collected is used to confirm or refute the statement of witnesses at the crime scene, establish the weapon used and whether to include or exclude a potential culprit. If you are a victim of a violent crime, consider seeking bloodstain pattern analysis services. The bloodstain professional will analyze the crime scene and identify the source of blood, the direction of travel, impact of energy, and event sequence. 

For more info, contact a company that offers bloodstain pattern analysis services.