Blood Distribution Analysis (also known as Blood Pattern and Blood Splatter)

When blood is found, the shape of the blood splatter can provide evidence as to how the blood was deposited. Forensic Biologists are able to examine the distribution of the blood in detail, interpret its form and present Expert evidence in relation to actions/scenarios that may have occurred.

It is possible that blood found on items such as clothing is as a result of secondary or even tertiary transfer, rather than the item itself having been in direct contact with the source of the blood.

Our Experts can examine all the evidence and produce detailed Expert reports, with supporting images when required, to ensure the evidence is thoroughly tested and presented in full detail to the Court. 

Why have this evidence checked?

Blood distribution is usually compared with a given scenario and an opinion given as to whether the evidence supports that allegation. However, alternative scenarios can also be considered, for example, are airborne spots a result of being involved in an incident or just being in close proximity to the incident.

Wet blood can also obviously be transferred by contact with another surface bearing the blood, and not necessarily with the person who is bleeding.

DNA Analysis

DNA evidence has in recent years proven to be a vital tool in the investigation of crime.

DNA is present in many body fluids, for example blood, saliva and semen, and can also be found in hair roots. It can therefore be retrieved from various items, including cans, cigarettes and headwear.

Once the DNA has been retrieved and the resultant profiles compared, results are often supported with statistical interpretations.

We are able to critically examine all aspects of DNA evidence, including the handling of the exhibits, the laboratory analyses and subsequent interpretation of results, to identify any risk of contamination, to establish if the results of comparisons are correct, and to ensure the DNA evidence is fairly interpreted.

Why have this evidence checked?

Although the statistics regularly applied to DNA can appear very strong evidence, this does not necessarily mean that direct contact has occurred. There are various other aspects that should be investigated, such as the possibility of secondary transfer, for example via another person, whether any contamination may have occurred, or the chance of the DNA being deposited by indirect contact, such as coughing over an item.

Services include:

• Comparison of DNA profiles

• Complete review of DNA evidence, from retrieval of exhibits at crime scene to identification, including assessment of possible contamination

• Examination of crime scenes, exhibits and photographs of locations and items for blood distribution evidence

• Interpretation of blood distribution and comparison with alleged events

• Interpretation of mixed DNA profiles

• Photography of blood at scenes and on exhibits

• Production of visual aids for Court

• Statistical interpretation