Volume Determination of Fresh and Dried Bloodstains by Means of Optical Coherence Tomography

• NCJ Number: 246540
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2014 Pages: 34-41
• Author(s): Nick Laan M.Sc.; Rolf H. Bremmer Ph.D.; Maurice C.G. Aalders Ph.D.; Karla G. de Bruin Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2014
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The volume of bloodstains found on crime scenes may help forensic investigators reconstruct the location and kinematics of bloodletting events, as stain size, volume, and impact velocity are related.

Abstract

The volume of bloodstains found on crime scenes may help forensic investigators reconstruct the location and kinematics of bloodletting events, as stain size, volume, and impact velocity are related. Optical coherence tomography was used as a method to determine the volume and volume ratio of dried and fresh bloodstains on both glass and irregular surfaces or deposited with an impact velocity. The volume of blood drops deposited on smooth glass surfaces was measured within a deviation of 2%. This deviation increased for droplets on irregular surfaces or deposited with an impact velocity. The volume ratio of dried and fresh bloodstains was equal to 19-28% depending on the individual donor and on the use of an anticoagulant. Optical coherence tomography is a good method to determine the volume of fresh and dried bloodstains in laboratory conditions and allows accurate determination of the dry/fresh ratio. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.