Human Blood versus Two Commercially Available Blood Substitutes: A Comparative Analysis

The experiments included in this research were conducted in order to compare expired human blood and two commercially available synthetic blood spatter products (Arrowhead Forensics Spatter Blood and Evident® Crime Scene Products Spatter Training Blood) in appearance and fluid dynamics in order to compare similarities and differences between the three substances. For training purposes, synthetic blood substitutes are preferred due to increased safety and reduced costs. Experiments conducted included point of origin calculations at three distances and overall appearance of spatter on wood, tile, denim, and concrete at three distances. It was determined that point of origin calculations at one of three distances was significantly different, but all other distances and experiments were comparable among the three substances.