Surface/Target Considerations
The pictures below demonstrate that the surface on which blood is deposited must be taken into consideration when analyzing bloodstains. If a drop of blood lands on a smooth surface such as glass (Picture 1) you would not normally find any satellite spatter around its periphery. When it comes to rough surfaces like cardboard (Picture 2) you find smaller drops which have broken away from the parent stain and are referred to as satellites. Blood has adhesive and cohesive qualities, however, when a drop of blood strikes an irregular or rough surface it tends to break apart.
Blood drop on glass 12" Blood drop on cardboard 12"
Blood drop on smooth concrete 12" Blood drop on denim 12"
Blood drop on newspaper 12" Blood drop on paper towel 12"
Blood drop on ceramic tile 12" Blood drop on carpet 12"
Blood drop on sleet 12" (looks like a heart)