University College London – UCL
Masters in Crime and Forensic Science
Module 2018/2019:
Forensic Biology and DNA Interpretation
Exam Questions & Answers
Topic Covered: Blood Spatter
Grade: B
, Exam Topic 1: Blood Pattern Analysis
1. In which 3 classification groups are BPA distributed in? (very general)
1) Spatter group: Blood distribution composed of blood drops.
2) Non-spatter group: Blood distribution not composed of spatter.
3) Composite group: Blood distribution showing characteristics of both spatter and non-spatter
groups.
2. What are some common criteria with regards to BPA, and what has been done to
combat this criticism?
The most common criticism regarding BPA is that it is too subjective. Science needs to
demonstrate why and how they come to the conclusions regarding specific observations and
interpretations.
To combat this, objective criteria has been defined through research, observation and
casework, for identification of main spatter groups. This can be remembered through the
acronym SAADD, which is:
a) Shape of the whole pattern
b) Alignment of stain within the pattern
c) Alignment of stain with respect to others
d) Distribution of stain sizes within the pattern
e) Density of stains throughout the pattern
3. Give some examples of how BPA can assist in crime investigations.
1) BPA can help determine the positioning of the victim and the assailant.
2) BPA can help determine the potential type of assault and type or form of weapon possibly
used.
3) Based on the bloodshed at the scene, it is possible to assess how much blood is expected
to be found on the assailant.
4. Referring to question 1, what are the groups in which BPA is further distributed in?
The ‘acronym’ to remember them by is SICALPCC.
(1) Single drop, Impact spatter, Cast-off, Arterial damage stains, (2) Large volume stains /
Gunshot wounds, physiologically altered bloodstains, Contact stains (transfer stains), (3)
Composite stain patterns.
Masters in Crime and Forensic Science
Module 2018/2019:
Forensic Biology and DNA Interpretation
Exam Questions & Answers
Topic Covered: Blood Spatter
Grade: B
, Exam Topic 1: Blood Pattern Analysis
1. In which 3 classification groups are BPA distributed in? (very general)
1) Spatter group: Blood distribution composed of blood drops.
2) Non-spatter group: Blood distribution not composed of spatter.
3) Composite group: Blood distribution showing characteristics of both spatter and non-spatter
groups.
2. What are some common criteria with regards to BPA, and what has been done to
combat this criticism?
The most common criticism regarding BPA is that it is too subjective. Science needs to
demonstrate why and how they come to the conclusions regarding specific observations and
interpretations.
To combat this, objective criteria has been defined through research, observation and
casework, for identification of main spatter groups. This can be remembered through the
acronym SAADD, which is:
a) Shape of the whole pattern
b) Alignment of stain within the pattern
c) Alignment of stain with respect to others
d) Distribution of stain sizes within the pattern
e) Density of stains throughout the pattern
3. Give some examples of how BPA can assist in crime investigations.
1) BPA can help determine the positioning of the victim and the assailant.
2) BPA can help determine the potential type of assault and type or form of weapon possibly
used.
3) Based on the bloodshed at the scene, it is possible to assess how much blood is expected
to be found on the assailant.
4. Referring to question 1, what are the groups in which BPA is further distributed in?
The ‘acronym’ to remember them by is SICALPCC.
(1) Single drop, Impact spatter, Cast-off, Arterial damage stains, (2) Large volume stains /
Gunshot wounds, physiologically altered bloodstains, Contact stains (transfer stains), (3)
Composite stain patterns.
