Which bloodstain pattern results from an injury that causes blood to project into the air?

Projected spatter stains are the result of an injury that causes blood to be forcibly expelled into the air. This occurs when there is sufficient force, such as from a gunshot, blunt force trauma, or a stabbing, that propels blood from its source. The resulting stains are characterized by their dispersal pattern on surfaces, often showing a varied size and distance from the point of origin, which can help investigators determine the nature of the incident and the mechanism of injury.

Understanding projected spatter is crucial in crime scene analysis, as these patterns can provide significant clues regarding the events that transpired. Their distinct nature helps differentiate them from other bloodstain patterns, like transfer stains, which occur when a blood-covered object comes into contact with a surface, or contact stains, which result from direct contact without any forceful projection. Splash patterns involve blood being dispersed after hitting a surface, typically resulting from blood falling from a height, rather than being propelled from an injury site. This distinction highlights the unique significance of projected spatter stains in crime scene investigation.