Lose the “L” in Blood Splatter Analysis

There are certain phrases or buzz words that catch the attention of those in the know and can diminish the credibility of your writing. One such word is “splatter” used in conjunction with field of bloodstain pattern analysis (such as saying so-and-so is a “blood splatter analyst”). It is a dead giveaway that the writer has not researched the topic well.  That’s because every notable text and every examiner, in the first five minutes of the first day of their basic bloodstain pattern analysis (BSPA) course is told not to use that term.  It’s a trivial and nit picky thing but it exists nonetheless. The main reason is that it just isn’t accurate. Technically, BSPA defines “splatter” as a verb; not a noun.

In fact, organizations like the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA) and the Scientific Working Group on Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (SWGSTAIN) don’t even include “splatter” in their recommended terminology. I know how trivial that seems but BSPA’s have been conditioned to cringe at the use of the word “splatter”. It’s not like blood pours out of our ears but it definitely triggers a reaction and you should be aware of that.  In fact, if someone like me were to use that phrase, even among friends & colleagues, I would like be subjected to the nerdy equivalent of a BSPA wedgie.