Biology
Blood pattern analysis
Blood pattern analysis, (or BPA) is one of the more opinion-based disciplines within forensic science. As the appearance of a blood stain on a surface and the pattern or distribution of groups of blood stains can often be used to determine the action that caused the item to become blood stained, BPA can often assist the scientist in reconstructing the activity that occurred at the scene.
Our forensic experts are highly experienced in the blood pattern analysis of and have reported many BPA cases, both from a crime scene perspective and also from items of clothing addressing specific allegations in terms of the blood patterns observed. We can comment upon whether or not a blood stain or groups of stains originated from a given action such as, for example kicking or punching rather than being an innocent bystander.
At Manlove Forensics we can tell you what angle a drop of blood made contact with a surface, indicating where the source of blood may have been. We can also comment on contact blood staining, for example, did a specific item of footwear make a mark in blood?
We are frequently called upon to review blood pattern analysis findings, both to re-examine scenes and clothing to check the interpretation made by the initial forensic scientist. Very often the first analysis is made without the appropriate information to hand and when different scenarios are considered, suddenly blood pattern evidence can seem to provide an alternative series of event.
In addition to our comprehensive casework service in blood pattern analysis, we offer a lecture and workshops demonstrating this essential evidence type.
Body fluid analysis and ID
Our forensic biologists at Manlove Forensics are highly experienced in body fluid examination. The correct identification of blood, semen, saliva and other biological material by the biologist at the scene of a crime or on items of clothing is often of the utmost importance to an investigation. Similarly, the presence (or absence) of a specific body fluid on items of clothing, intimate swabs, possible weapons or other objects may assist the forensic biologist in clarifying what has occurred and identifying those who were or were not involved.
Our biologists are able to undertake examinations for a wide variety of body fluids at our laboratory facility in Oxfordshire. Our forensic scientists are trained in the most up-to-date methods of analysis and are happy to offer advice in all forensic case types. If required, we will visit other laboratories in order to undertake an independent assessment of forensic examinations already undertaken and can remove samples for further testing if appropriate.
We may also be able to offer an opinion regarding the possible mechanisms of transfer of a type of biological material or comment on whether a DNA profile can be attributed to a specific body fluid. Our forensic biologists are happy to provide a bespoke service to suit your needs and also offer training courses and awareness days in biological testing. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can assist you with regard to any query involving body fluid examination.
Skin transfer
Under Construction
Examination of items
Under Construction
Damage
Our forensics scientists analyse areas of damage in items of clothing and other items to distinguish what may have caused the material or item to become distorted, broken or torn.
Such areas of damage often exhibit specific characteristics that can enable them to be classified, for example as cuts or tears. By careful microscopic analysis, our scientists can guide you as to the correct assessment of the casue of the damage. It can also be possible to characterise the type of implement that caused a particular area of damage and undertake controlled tests to address allegations involving specific scenarios and to determine whether or not a specific weapon could have caused the damage.
Our forensic scientists have experience of forensic damage interpretation in a variety of case types, including murder and sexual assaults and have presented evidence in these areas at court.
Sexual Assault
Under Construction
