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Blood stain pattern analysis

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology

September 2011, Volume 7, Issue3, pp 257270

O.Peschel (1)
S.N.Kunz (1)Email author (sebastian.kunz@med.uni-muenchen.de)
M.A.Rothschild (2)
E.Mtzel (1)

1.Institute of Legal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich,


Munich, Germany
2.Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany

Continuing Medical Education Review

First Online:
11 November 2010

Accepted:
23 September 2010

4.8k Downloads

Abstract

Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) refers to the collection, categorization and


interpretation of the shape and distribution of bloodstains connected with a
crime. These kinds of stains occur in a considerable proportion of homicide
cases. They offer extensive information and are an important part of a
functional, medically and scientifically based reconstruction of a crime. The
following groups of patterns can essentially be distinguished: dripped and
splashed blood, projected blood, impact patterns, cast-off stains, expirated and
transferred bloodstains. A highly qualified analysis can help to estimate facts
concerning the location, quality and intensity of an external force. A sequence
of events may be recognized, and detailed questions connected with the
reconstruction of the crime might be answered. In some cases, BPA helps to
distinguish between accident, homicide and suicide or to identify bloodstains
originating from a perpetrator. BPA is based on systematic training, a visit to the
crime scene or alternatively good photographic documentation, and an
understanding and knowledge of autopsy findings or statements made by the
perpetrator and/or victim. A BPA working group has been established within the
German Society of Legal Medicine aiming to put the knowledge and practical
applications of this subdiscipline of forensic science on a wider basis.

Keywords
Bloodstain pattern analysis Homicide Crime scene analysis
Crime reconstruction Forensic science

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Cite this article as:
Peschel, O., Kunz, S.N., Rothschild, M.A. et al. Forensic Sci Med Pathol (2011) 7: 257.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-010-9198-1

DOI (Digital Object Identifier) https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-010-9198-1


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