Bloodstains are an important piece of evidence in a forensic examination. The pattern of a stain and the quantity of blood present can be important clues to the nature of the accident or crime. Moreover, detailed analysis of the blood obtained from a stain can reveal genetic and other information that can help identify a victim or implicate the person responsible.

Analysis of bloodstains can also help reveal the nature of the injury and even the order that the wounds were received. The pattern of the bloodstain, which is also referred to as blood spatter , can be important in identifying the weapon used to inflict the injury, and help determine if the victim was moving or motionless when injured.