Journal of Forensic Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (4): 352-358.DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2024.441206

• Reviews • Previous Articles    

Research Progress on the Use of Canine Olfaction for Bloodstain Evidence Search

Yao Zhang1(), Wei Fang2(), Lijuan Xiong3, Jing Li4(), Jilong Zheng2, Huajie Ba5, Yan Zheng6   

  1. 1.Department of Public Basic Teaching and Research, Criminal Investigation Police University of China, Shenyang 110854, China
    2.Canine Technology College, Criminal Investigation Police University of China, Shenyang 110141, China
    3.Criminal Investigation Corps of Chongqing Public Security Bureau, Chongqing 400707, China
    4.College of Judicial Police, Xinjiang University of Political Science and Law, Tumxuk 843806, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
    5.Institute of Forensic Science, Changzhou Public Security Bureau, Changzhou 213003, Jiangsu Province, China
    6.College of Investigation and Anti-terrorism, Criminal Investigation Police University of China, Shenyang 110854, China
  • Received:2024-12-12 Online:2026-10-28 Published:2026-08-25
  • Contact: Wei Fang, Jing Li

Abstract:

Bloodstains can provide critical information for criminal investigations and serve as important forensic evidence. The discovery of potential bloodstains at a crime scene is crucial, and can be achieved by chemical, physical, and biological means. Biological search is typically represented by canines. Using canines to search for potential bloodstains at crime scenes is a real-time, rapid, effective and non-destructive detection method, which can meet the needs of various detection scenarios. This paper traces the development history of the canine bloodstain search technique and summarizes the olfactory basis of bloodstain search by canines. From the perspectives of using police dogs to search for trace bloodstains, diluted bloodstains, and cleaned bloodstains, and differentiating human blood from animal blood, this paper reviews the current application of the canine bloodstain search technique in forensic investigations, and looks forward to the development of this technique, with the aim of providing a reference for related research on canine bloodstain searches.

Key words: forensic medicine, olfaction, odor analysis, bloodstain, volatile organic compound, police dog, review

CLC Number: