Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Terminology

Definition

Wipe Pattern
An altered bloodstain pattern resulting from an object moving through a preexisting wet bloodstain.
Bloodstain Example - Wipe Pattern
Bloodstain Example - Wipe Pattern

Description

This wipe pattern was generated by putting several drip stains on a target and dragging the fingers of the right hand through the stains before they were dried.

Bloodletting scenes can be quite dynamic and wipe patterns are common. It may be possible to determine the direction of travel of an object that created the wipe pattern.

Alternate Terminology

Bevel & GardnerNon-spatter Family - Irregular Margin - Smear - Wipe
James, Kish & SuttonAltered - Sequenced - Wipe
WonderSpatters Not a Criteria - Transfers - Moving - Wipe
Old IABPAWipe Pattern