The use of micro computed tomography to ascertain the morphology of bloodstains on fabric. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dicken, L.; Knock, C.; Beckett, S.; de Castro, T.C.; Nickson, T.; Carr, D.J.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 257(2015)
• Page Start: 369
• Page End: 375
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Wicking -- Wetting -- Absorbent surfaces; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.10.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: The use of the micro CT scanner to detect blood in fabric. Size of bloodstain in fabric initially increases with depth. Bloodstain forms a diamond shape in the fabric. Abstract: Very little is known about the interactions of blood and fabric and how bloodstains on fabric are formed. Whereas the blood stain size for non-absorbent surfaces depends on impact velocity, previous work has suggested that for fabrics the blood stain size is independent of impact velocity when the drop size is kept constant. Therefore, a greater understanding of the interaction of blood and fabric is required. This paper explores the possibility of using a micro computed tomography (CT) scanner to study bloodstain size and shape throughout fabrics. Two different fabrics were used: 100% cotton rib knit and 100% cotton bull drill. Bloodstains were created by dropping blood droplets from three heights; 500 mm, 1000 mm and 1500 mm. Results from the CT scanner clearly showed the bloodstain shape throughout the fabric. The blood was found to form a diamond shaped stain, with the maximum cross-sectional area 0.3–0.5 mm below the surface. The bloodstain morphology depended on both the impact velocity and fabric structure.