New bloodstain measurement process using Microsoft Office Excel 2003 autoshapes

This study presents an innovative and improved alternative to current manual bloodstain measurement methods. The study describes a new procedure for the measurement of bloodstains using Microsoft Office Excel 2003 AutoShape functions. Results show that, in addition to improved levels of measurement accuracy and precision, the use of this software in the bloodstain measurement process permits management and adjustment of the bloodstain image (e.g., cropping, resizing, magnification, and contrast and brightness modification), making the measurement process easier and thus more effective. This new procedure also generates saveable, reviewable, and auditable electronic case file data of the entire measurement process.