Bloodstain Pattern Analysis on Textiles: A Technology Transition Workshop

Description

Every year, millions of items of bloodstained clothing and other textiles are being examined in forensic laboratories around the world, yet there is, to date, no standard or well-documented method for analyzing small bloodstains on these textiles. This is due in part to the great variety and complexity of textiles, which can deform easily, but may also contain critical information about a bloodshed event. Additionally, without knowledge regarding the textile variables and characteristics coupled with a lack of understanding regarding the textile manufacturing and finishing processes, there is a gap in knowledge for practicing BP analysts when it comes to examining a bloodied textile item, whether in the laboratory or at a crime scene. In this three-day workshop, participants will learn and explore key properties of textiles that dictate how they interact with blood, how their manufacture alters these properties, how small bloodstains develop on textile substrates and how blood transfers from one surface to another. The participants will gain an appreciation for the importance of documenting the original state of textiles and examining them for bloodstains.

 

Things to Know

The workshops are very hands on and are designed for participants to explore and test blood-textile interactions. Participants will work in teams of two and all participants are expected to participate in the activities and tours of the textile processing equipment. Participants are expected to bring a camera that they are familiar with (cellphone cameras are adequate). All other materials for the workshop, including personal protective equipment, will be provided. Participants will be handling porcine blood and should be dressed appropriately (long pants and closed toed shoes).

 

Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants were better able to:

- Identify major fabric types (e.g. woven or knit).
- Understand how fabric structure alters bloodstains and bloodstain patterns.
- Recognize environmental factors that affect stain formation.
- Recognize the importance of 3-D reconstruction to understand bloodstains and patterns formed on clothing when worn on the body.

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