Report on Bloodstain Patterns

Bloodstain pattern analysis is an important forensic tool that can provide useful information that may help fill the gaps in the investigation of a crime. The examination of bloodstains or bloodstain patterns on clothing can provide information about the position, activity and movements of the wearer during and after the bloodshed event. This study, Bloodstain Patterns on Textile Surfaces: A Fundamental Analysis, found that extreme care and consideration must be used in analyzing blood on textiles. The authors found that resulting bloodstains can be impacted by several factors, including what the fabric is backed by, wicking that might have occurred prior to analysis, and the angle at which blood impacted the fabric. To read the report, go to https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/248671.pdf. The National Institute of Justice made the report available through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service. The report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice.