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What Does a Blood Spatter Analyst Do?

Amy Rodriguez
Amy Rodriguez

A blood spatter analyst examines blood and its patterns at a crime scene to determine cause of death. This specialized forensic scientist may physically visit crime scenes, as well as analyze photos in a laboratory environment, to gain more knowledge about the object used in the crime and the perpetrator's position relative to the victim. Similar to fingerprint analysis, studying blood spatters can tell a detailed story from their location and composition.

Typical crime scenes are secured so that investigators can examine the evidence left from a crime, including the residual blood. The blood spatter analyst will count the quantity of drops and record their shape through photographs and detailed notes. In fact, distance measurements are taken between each blood spatter drop, either through simple string measurements or electronic meters. These distance measurements help the analyst determine the force of the impact to the victim. The informative blood pattern shapes can be used in this way to help the analyst solve crimes more rapidly.

Blood spatter analysts examine blood samples.
Blood spatter analysts examine blood samples.

The blood's composition can be examined at a laboratory by the blood spatter analyst, visually observing the liquid for debris and possible deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis. Blood may have small skin cells and hairs remaining within the mixture that can provide clues for solving a crime. The blood spatter analyst will view the blood sample under a microscope to find minuscule debris. Other analysts may be involved, such as a DNA specialist, to determine the perpetrator's sex and race.

Blood spatter analysts may visit crime scenes to gather evidence.
Blood spatter analysts may visit crime scenes to gather evidence.

Another key job duty for a person in this position is testifying in a court of law. Investigators must have a credible scientist explain concrete crime scene facts, rather than basing a case on speculation. The analyst must be detailed and articulate in describing forensic blood collection and testing parameters. Juries may base the majority of their final verdicts on an expert's opinion regarding the event's time table, as deduced from the crime scene's blood patterns.

A blood spatter analyst may take photographs and notes at a crime scene.
A blood spatter analyst may take photographs and notes at a crime scene.

A mixture of education and experience is required to become a blood spatter analyst. Qualified analysts will have a bachelor's degree based in forensic or biological science. In addition, an internship is normally needed for college graduation, allowing the student to practice textbook techniques in a real life situation. An experienced blood spatter analyst will mentor the intern, ensuring that testing protocols are followed for the most accurate results. Doctorate degrees are typically required for analysts who wish to direct a laboratory's overall program, creating or altering testing strategies for successful blood examinations.

Discussion Comments

truman12
So what does an average day look like for a blood spatter analyst? Are there always crime scenes to analyze, or do they sometimes have slow days where they just hang around?
disciples
What kind of education do I need to get to become a blood splatter analyst? I am just finishing up my first year of college and I think I want to be a biology major. If I get a degree in biology would that be enough to qualify me to work in a forensics lab or would I need to get more specialized training. Thanks for the info guys!
vigilant

Probably the most famous fictional blood splatter analyst is Dexter Morgan, the forensic analyst who is secretly a serial killer. I have always wondered if this was a real job. It seems so specific that it doesn't seem possible that anyone could really do this for a living.

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    • Blood spatter analysts examine blood samples.
      By: Wojciech Sobiech
      Blood spatter analysts examine blood samples.
    • Blood spatter analysts may visit crime scenes to gather evidence.
      By: Yali Shi
      Blood spatter analysts may visit crime scenes to gather evidence.
    • A blood spatter analyst may take photographs and notes at a crime scene.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      A blood spatter analyst may take photographs and notes at a crime scene.
    • A blood spatter analyst may view samples under a microscope to look for miniscule debris.
      By: micromonkey
      A blood spatter analyst may view samples under a microscope to look for miniscule debris.