Dried blood is typically a glossy reddish-brown color when freshly dried.
Color Changes in Dried Blood
The appearance of dried blood can change over time and due to external factors. Here's a breakdown of the color progression:
- Freshly Dried: According to the provided reference, newly dried bloodstains present as a glossy reddish-brown.
- Weathered Stains: Exposure to sunlight, the weather, or even attempts at removal will cause the stain to fade and eventually turn grey.
- Surface Influence: The color may also be affected by the surface the blood is on.
Factors Influencing Color
Here are some things that influence dried blood color:
- Time: The longer blood dries, the more its color changes from reddish-brown to gray.
- Environmental Conditions: Exposure to sunlight and weather can cause fading.
- Substrate: The material on which the blood is deposited can slightly affect its appearance.
- Intervention: Attempts to clean a stain can also alter the way it looks.
Why is understanding dried blood color important?
Understanding these color variations is crucial in fields such as:
- Forensics: Helping to determine the age of a bloodstain at a crime scene.
- Medical analysis: Studying the properties of blood as it dries.
| Blood State | Color |
|---|---|
| Freshly Dried | Glossy Reddish-Brown |
| Weathered/Old | Grey |
