Version 1.1 / Date of Issue: 2.09.16 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Examiner Reliability Study: Black and White Box Studies on Bloodstain Pattern 

Analysts

Keyword(s): Bloodstains, Bloodstain Patterns, Conclusions, Classification, Analysis, Variability, Accuracy, 

Error

Submitting subcommittee(s): Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Date Approved:

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Description of research need:

Evaluate the variability of results provided by practicing bloodstain pattern analysts when making pattern 

observations, pattern classifications and reconstruction of test samples. Additionally, evaluate the variability

of results provided by practicing bloodstain pattern analysts when conducting classifications of bloodstain

pattern test samples. The research outcomes should do some or all of the following: (1.) Quantify intraanalyst and inter-analyst variability as a function of the quality/quantity of the evidence provided, (2.) 

Quantify intra-analyst and inter-analyst variability as a function of the test taker’s education and disciplinespecific training and experience, (3.) Identify aspects of the evaluation and classification process and 

evidence that are sources of consistency in reporting conclusions, (4.) Identify aspects of the evaluation and 

classification process and evidence that are sources of variability in reporting conclusions, (5.) Elucidate the 

process by which analysts observe, classify and reconstruct bloodstain patterns (e.g., quality, sufficiency, 

etc.). Note: Practitioner involvement in providing subject matter expertise during the planning phase of 

this research is highly encouraged in order to ensure that the research outcomes have applicability to 

casework, and the test samples are as realistic as possible under the research constraints.

2. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need:

Arthur, RM, Cockerton, S.L., de Bruin, KG, and Taylor, MC, A novel, element-based approach for the objective 

classification of bloodstain patterns, Forensic Sci Int, 2015: p.220-228.

Laber TL, Taylor MC, Kish PE. The Reliability of Current Methods of Sequencing Bloodstain Patterns. The 

Journal of BPA. 2014;30(1):10.

Laber TL, Kish PE, Taylor MC, Owen GW, Osborne N, and Curran J Reliability Assessment of Current Methods 

in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: NIJ; 2014, Document Number 247180.

Osborne, NKP, Taylor, MC, and Zajac, R, Exploring the role of contextual information in bloodstain pattern 

analysis: A qualitative approach, Forensic Sci Int, 2016: p. 1-8.

Osborne, NKP, Taylor, MC, Healey, M and Zajac, R, Bloodstain pattern classification: Accuracy, effect of 

contextual information and the role of analysts characteristics, Science and Justice, 2016; 56(2): 123-128. 

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Taylor, MC, Laber, TL, Kish, PE, Owens, G, and Osborne, NKP, The reliability of pattern classification in 

bloodstain pattern analysis, Part I: Bloodstain patterns on rigid non-absorbent surfaces, J Forensic Sci, 2016: 

doi:10.1111/1556-4029.13091.

Additional relevant research is provided in the ADDENDUM.

3a. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

The results of this research would be considered by the bloodstain pattern analysis community, laboratories 

and accrediting bodies in order to implement necessary changes to the methods, standard operating 

procedures, training programs and other quality assurance practices to reduce analyst error and minimize 

intra- and inter-analyst variation in reporting. The findings will facilitate discussions between analysts on 

disputed patterns.

3b. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

A white box study will generate insight into the cognitive process that underlies the analysis of bloodstain 

patterns. The white and black box studies will consider factors to include: human factors, cognitive factors, 

the quality of the evidence; visible characteristics of the bloodstains (quality, quantity, clarity, complexity, 

extent of bloodstain pattern, bloodstain number, size and distribution); the examiner’s education, training 

and experience; examiner certification and laboratory accreditation; and peer review.

3c. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

The research results will identify the factors that influence the analyst’s ability to analyze bloodstain

evidence and accurately interpret their findings. Further, the results will be valuable in promoting 

transparency, objectivity, and the communication between experts and laypersons, particularly within the 

criminal justice system. This research will provide the criminal justice system an assessment of the reliability 

of bloodstain analyses and the weight that can be given to these findings.

4. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research 

is being conducted

I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted

II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.
Version 1.1 / Date of Issue: 2.09.16 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

Approvals:

Subcommittee Approval date:

(Approval is by majority vote of subcommittee. Once approved, forward to SAC.)

SAC

1. Does the SAC agree with the research need? Yes No

2. Does the SAC agree with the status assessment? Yes No

If no, what is the status assessment of the SAC:

Approval date:

(Approval is by majority vote of SAC. Once approved, forward to NIST for posting.)

1/5/17
Version 1.1 / Date of Issue: 2.09.16 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

Completed Research Regarding

The Accuracy and Reliability of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

OSAC BPA Research Task Group November 2016

1. Behrooz, N. Bloodstain pattern analysis of determination of point of origin (BSc dissertation), 

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 2009.

2. Buck, U., B. Kneubeuhl, S. Nather, N. Albertini, L. Schmidt, and M Thali. 3D Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: 

Ballistic Reconstruction of the Trajectories of Blood Drops and Determination of the Centres of Origin of 

the Bloodstains, FSI, 206 (2011): 22-28.

3. Camana, Francesco. Determining the Area of Convergence in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: A 

Probabilistic Approach, FSI 231, no. 1-3 (2013): 131-36.

4. Carter, A.L. and Podworny, E.J., Bloodstain pattern analysis with a scientific calculator, Journal of the 

Canadian Society of Forensic Science 24, no. 1 (1991): 37-42.

5. Carter, A.L., The Directional Analysis of Bloodstain Patterns: Theory and Experimental Validation. 

Journal of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science, 2001. 34(4): p. 173-189.

6. Carter, A.L., Further Validation of the BackTrack TM Computer Program for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis 

- Precision and Accuracy. International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts News, 2005. 21(3): p. 

15-22.

7. Carter, A.L., et al., Validation of the BackTrackTM Suite of Programs for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis.

Journal of Forensic Identification, 2006. 56(2): p. 242-254.

8. Castello, A., M. Alvarez, and F. Verdú. Accuracy, Reliability, and Safety of Luminol in Bloodstain 

Investigation. Journal of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science 35, no. 3 (2002): 113-21.

9. Connolly, C., M. Illes, and J. Fraser. Affect of Impact Angle Variations on Area of Origin Determination in 

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. FSI 223, no. 1-3 (2012): 233-40. 

10. de Bruin, K.G., R.D. Stoel, and J.C. Limborgh, Improving the point of origin determination in bloodstain 

pattern analysis. J Forensic Sci, 2011. 56(6): p. 1476-82.

11. Hakim, Nashad, and Eugene Liscio. Calculating Point of Origin of Blood Spatter Using Laser Scanning 

Technology, JFS 60, no. 2 (2015): 409-17.

12. Hulse-Smith, L., and M. Illes. A Blind Trial Evaluation of a Crime Scene Methodology for Deducting 

Impact Velocity and Droplet Size from Circular Bloodstains, JFS 52, no. 1 (2007): 65-69.

13. Illes, M.B. and Boue, M. Investigation of a model for stain selection in bloodstain pattern analysis. 

Canadian Society of Forensic Science 44, no. 1 (2011):1-12.

14. Illes, M.B., et al., Use of the BackTrackTM Computer Program for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis of Stains 

from Downward-Moving Drops. Journal of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science, 2005. 38(4): p. 

213-218.

15. Illes, M. and Boue, M., Robust estimation for area of origin in bloodstain pattern analysis via directional 

analysis. Forensic Sci Int, 2013. 226(1-3): p. 223-9.

16. Joris, P., et al., Hemovision: An Automated and Virtual Approach to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, FSI

251, (2015): 116-23.

17. Laber TL, Taylor MC, Kish PE. The Reliability of Current Methods of Sequencing Bloodstain Patterns. The 

Journal of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. 2014;30(1):10.

18. Laber TL, Kish PE, Taylor MC, Owen GW, Osborne N, Curran J. Reliability Assessment of Current 

Methods in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: National Institute of Justice; 2014, Document Number 247180.

19. Larkin, Bethany A. J., and Craig E. Banks. Preliminary Study on the Effect of Heated Surfaces Upon 

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis. JFS 58, no. 5 (2013): 1289-96.

20. Laturnus, P., Measurement Survey. International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts News, 

1994. 10(3): p. 14-32
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21. Maloney, A., et al., One sided impact spatter and area-of-origin calculations Journal of Forensic 

Identification, 2011. 61(2): p. 123-135.

22. Meneses, B.N., P.E. Kish, and B.J. Gestring, A Preliminary Study of the Error Rate Associated with 

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, presented at 61st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic 

Sciences. 2009: Denver, CO. In preparation.

23. Osborne, N.K.P., Taylor, M.C., and Zajac, R., Exploring the role of contextual information in bloodstain 

pattern analysis: A qualitative approach, FSI, 2016: p. 1-8.

24. Osborne, N.K.P., Taylor, M.C., Healey, M. and Zajac, R., Bloodstain pattern classification: Accuracy, 

effect of contextual information and the role of analysts characteristics, Science and Justice, 2016: p. 

25. Reynolds, M. and Raymond, M.A., New bloodstain measurement process using Microsoft Excel 2003 

Autoshapes, JFI 58, no. 4 (2008): 453-468.

26. Reynolds, M. et al., Bloodstain measurement using computer-fitted theoretical ellipses: A study in 

accuracy and precision, JFI 58, no. 4 (2008): 469-484.

27. Ristenpart, W., et al., Quantitative Analysis of High Velocity Bloodstain Patterns, 2013, National 

Institute of Justice: U.S. Department of Justice.

28. Rowe, W.F. Errors in the determination of the point of origin of bloodstains, FSI 161, no. 1: 47-51

29. Sant, S. P., and Fairgrieve, S.I.. Exsanguinated Blood Volume Estimation Using Fractal Analysis of Digital 

Images, JFS 57, no. 3 (2012): 610-7. 

30. Wells, J.K., Investigation of Factors Affecting the Region of Origin Estimate in Bloodstain Pattern 

Analysis, in Physics2006, University of Canterbury: Christchurch.