The recognition and analysis of bloodstain patterns can yield useful investigative information.  The general role of the Bloodstain Pattern Analyst in a criminal investigation is to assist in the reconstruction of those events of an alleged incident that could have created the stains and stain patterns present at a crime scene, on items of physical evidence recovered from that scene and on items of clothing that were present at the crime scene. In some cases, it may be necessary to conduct a bloodstain pattern interpretation using photographs.  The usefulness of individual bloodstains and bloodstain patterns lies in their retention of information descriptive of the possible events that could have produced them.  The sizes of the individual stains composing a pattern, the shapes of these stains and their distribution relative to one another can be utilized for the purposes of determining how a particular stain or pattern may have been produced.  Bloodstain pattern analysis evaluations are conducted to determine what action(s) or sequence of actions could have created the bloodstains and/or patterns observed. Information that may be gained with bloodstain pattern analysis include, for example, the position of the individual when the blood was deposited (sitting, standing, etc.),  the relative position of individuals at the time of bloodshed, the possible type of weapon used as well as possible mechanisms that could have produced the blood staining on a surface.

The recognition and characterization of different bloodstain pattern types requires considerable training.  A few types of patterns follow.

The pattern above was created when blood dripped into a pool of blood on the floor, causing droplets to be released from the pool.  The image shows these released droplets impact on the vertical surface next to and above the pool of blood.  This is a Drip Pattern.

The pattern above is created by blood drops released from an object due to its motion, in this case from right to left.  This is a Cast-Off Pattern.  One characteristic of this type of pattern is the general linear configuration.

                  

The pattern above was created by an object striking a blood source below and in front of the vertical surface pictured.  This is an Impact Pattern.