Study on development of forensic blood substitute: Focusing on bloodstain pattern analysis

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Bloodstain pattern analysis is crucial for crime scene reconstruction.
• Current methods use human blood, animal blood, or existing substitutes with limitations.
• Existing blood substitutes lack accurate physical properties and forensic functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel blood substitute for bloodstain pattern analysis.
• To create a substitute closely mimicking human blood's physical and reactive properties.
• To provide a practical, safe, and versatile tool for forensic investigations.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of physical properties: viscosity, viscoelasticity, and surface tension.
• Analysis of drip bloodstain patterns based on impact angle and surface characteristics.
• Evaluation of luminol reaction and pattern transfer capabilities.

Main Results:

• The developed blood substitute exhibits superior similarity to human blood in physical properties.
• It accurately replicates drip bloodstain patterns, considering surface and impact angles.
• The substitute demonstrates positive luminol reactions and pattern transfer (fingerprints, footprints).

Conclusions:

• The new blood substitute offers a more accurate and practical alternative for bloodstain pattern analysis.
• Its formulation uses readily available, non-harmful materials.
• This innovation enhances the capabilities for forensic casework and training.