Practical Sessions

Practical Session 1

1. Influence of Fabric on the Formation of Angled Bloodstains

The practical involves the production of single bloodstains at varying angles between 10° and 90° on different fabric surfaces. Demonstrating the effect of different fabric types and variability in appearance of the angled bloodstains formed.

2. The Effect of Target Surface on Bloodstain Pattern Formation

The practical involves the production of different bloodstains (e.g. passive, spatter and transfer) on different fabrics. It is aimed at demonstrating the variability of the various stain shapes within a pattern and the influence of target surface characteristics on bloodstain formation.

3. Microscopic Assessment of Textiles and Bloodstains

Participants are required to assess and compare the microscopic characteristics to the macroscopic characteristics of spatter and transfer bloodstains and use these characteristic features to determine, if possible, whether bloodstains are spatter or transfer. Participants also compare the physical features of the textile substrates to determine whether the textile is made from synthetic or natural fibres.

Practical Session 2

1. Creation of Spatter Bloodstain Patterns on Clothing

The creation and evaluation of bloodstains resulting from force including projected, cast off and in particular those associated with impacts (e.g. physical blows, weapons). The practical will demonstrate the correlation of applied force to spatter size and its effect on variance in the range of stain sizes for a given pattern, the preponderant stain size, and stain distribution.

2. Creation of Transfer and Passive Bloodstain Patterns on Clothing

Creation of transfer, drip, flow and bloodstain patterns  on different articles of clothing, footwear and various other porous target surfaces. The practical demonstrates the effect of different fabric types on the appearance of similar bloodstain types and bloodstain patterns.

3. The Effect of Distance on Bloodstain Deposition on Clothing

Assessment of distance bloodstains travel as a result of an impact to a liquid blood source. Different impact mechanisms are used to create spatter and the number and location of bloodstains on items of clothing set at different distances and positions will be assessed.

Practical Session 3

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis of Bloodstains on Clothing

Using two dimensional and three dimensional examination techniques, participants are required to examine, document and interpret bloodstain patterns on a set of clothing (victim and/or suspect) from a mock case scenario.

Practical Session 4

Hypothesis Testing

Bloodstained clothing is examined and hypotheses developed are tested to determine possible mechanisms and scenarios to account for the bloodstain deposition.