These Superficial Trauma Discoloration Cards provides a frame of reference for identification of specific colors present from bruises on human skin.

The normal progression of color from the onset of a bruise to its fading varies significantly over a 1-3 week period, and there are many factors that can influence the different colors observed between individuals. The purpose of the STD™ Cards is not try to identify a general time line or corresponding color shift pattern for identification. That is best left for the professional medical experts to analyze. What they are designed to do though is to provide a repeatable and accurate Standard Color Matched Selection of colors to visually compare and record what is observed.

This is accomplished, not by trying to guess what color to call it (There are thousands of names for colors), but by the number representing the color. Ten different people could observe the same color and each describe it by a different word, but they would all agree that it was a number “19”!

For consistency, it is recommended to record each color number, i.e. “19” along with the basic PCN and the “Color Matched Number” printed on the card Example: #STD0520-070201-19. This gives you a traceable number back to ORC Forensics Standard Color Matched Certification System, which is a specifically designed for bruise color selection. 2 cards are provided as a set to cover a broad spectrum from light to dark skin tones. Each is encapsulated in a clear heavy duty heat sealed overlaminate 2 x 3.

How to Use: Pick the color number closest to the bruise present. More then one color might be present from the center of the bruise to the outside perimeter. Record colors and locations accordingly. When a camera is available, holding a STD™ Card next to a bruise for a picture provides conclusive evidence.