As a hematologist, I specialize in the study and medical treatment of disorders related to the blood and blood-forming tissues. When discussing the color of dried blood, it's important to consider various factors that can influence its appearance.

Blood is typically a bright red color when it's fresh. However, as it dries, the color can change. The most common color for dried blood is a darker shade of red, often described as brownish-red or maroon. This color change occurs because as the blood dries, the oxygen in the hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) is released, leading to the oxidation of iron in the hemoglobin. This oxidation process results in a color change from the bright red of oxygenated blood to the darker red or brownish tones of deoxygenated blood.

There are other factors that can affect the color of dried blood as well, such as the presence of other substances in the blood, the surface on which the blood is drying, and environmental conditions. For instance, if blood comes into contact with certain chemicals or is exposed to direct sunlight, it may appear more brown or even black.

In summary, while the color of fresh blood is bright red, dried blood typically takes on a darker, brownish-red or maroon hue.

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Finding and documenting blood residue. Freshly dried bloodstains are a glossy reddish-brown in color. Under the influence of sunlight, the weather or removal attempts, the color eventually disappears and the stain turns gray. The surface on which it is found may also influence the stain's color.read more >>