Blood Spatter Analysis
Kinds of Forensic Evidences
Forensic scientists often work as generalists, meaning that they have expertise in working with a wide variety of evidence types. Different types of evidence require different skills and equipment. Types of evidence that are most frequently analyzed during investigations are as follows:
• Biological Evidence
In investigative biological evidence, forensic scientists utilize tools both at the scene, and in the lab. When a forensic scientist turns up at the crime scene and looks for human remains, blood or other bodily fluids and collects samples of any that if found. Since all bodily fluids (mainly those that have been cleaned up after) are not noticeable to the naked eye, the scientist can use the chemical Luminol to show latent traces of blood. Where large quantities of blood are present, an expert in blood spatter analysis can examine the patterns and size of the bloody areas to determine information such as the trajectory of the blood. This data can help an investigator deduce what type of weapon was used, or where the perpetrator and victim were standing during the attack.
• DNA Evidence …show more content…
In order to identify an individual's DNA it must be extracted from a piece of property that a person has had contact with, and has left a bodily fluid such as semen, blood or saliva on. The scientist performs tests that identify genetic markers and create a profile that is unique to that person, and can be compared to a sample taken from any individual. Scientists may also attempt to get enough blood from evidence to conduct toxicology testing, to determine the presence of alcohol, drugs, poisons or
Forensic scientists often work as generalists, meaning that they have expertise in working with a wide variety of evidence types. Different types of evidence require different skills and equipment. Types of evidence that are most frequently analyzed during investigations are as follows:
• Biological Evidence
In investigative biological evidence, forensic scientists utilize tools both at the scene, and in the lab. When a forensic scientist turns up at the crime scene and looks for human remains, blood or other bodily fluids and collects samples of any that if found. Since all bodily fluids (mainly those that have been cleaned up after) are not noticeable to the naked eye, the scientist can use the chemical Luminol to show latent traces of blood. Where large quantities of blood are present, an expert in blood spatter analysis can examine the patterns and size of the bloody areas to determine information such as the trajectory of the blood. This data can help an investigator deduce what type of weapon was used, or where the perpetrator and victim were standing during the attack.
• DNA Evidence …show more content…
In order to identify an individual's DNA it must be extracted from a piece of property that a person has had contact with, and has left a bodily fluid such as semen, blood or saliva on. The scientist performs tests that identify genetic markers and create a profile that is unique to that person, and can be compared to a sample taken from any individual. Scientists may also attempt to get enough blood from evidence to conduct toxicology testing, to determine the presence of alcohol, drugs, poisons or