Exploring Bloodstain Patterns on Different Paper Substrates as Forensic Indicators: An Approach in Crime Scene Investigation

Nidhi Dixit

Abstract: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) can provide valuable information about the circumstances surrounding blood deposition and is therefore relevant to forensic investigation. The nature of the receiving surface can influence the size, shape and other morphological characteristics of a bloodstain. The present study evaluated the effects of paper type, drop height and impact angle on bloodstain morphology. Human blood was deposited on seven paper substrates: copier paper, glossy paper, glaze paper, chart paper, newspaper, tissue paper and wet tissue paper. Blood drops were released from heights of 1-7 ft at impact angles of 90°,60° and 30°, with each experimental condition repeated three times. After natural drying, the stains were photographed and examined for shape, diameter, spike formation and satellite stains. Mean and standard deviation were used to summarize the quantitative observations. The findings showed a general increase in stain diameter with increasing drop height. Stains produced at 90° were predominantly circular, whereas lower impact angles resulted in progressively more oval and elongated patterns. Glossy and glaze papers generally preserved clearer stain boundaries, while tissue and wet tissue papers showed greater spreading and distortion. Glossy paper exhibited the highest spike counts, whereas tissue paper showed the highest observed mean satellite-stain counts.

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How to Cite?: Nidhi Dixit, "Exploring Bloodstain Patterns on Different Paper Substrates as Forensic Indicators: An Approach in Crime Scene Investigation", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 856-858, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26910112655, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26910112655

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