Microscopic Procedures

The following preliminary steps should be addressed prior to any of the case comparisons:

Review laboratory protocols, as needed.
Complete administrative requirements.
- Chain of custody.
- Marking of evidence.
- Laboratory case identifiers.
- Investigative file identifier.
- Examiner identity.
- Quality assurance.
Follow laboratory safety protocols.
Determine the presence of trace evidence and follow laboratory protocol for collection.

Examples of trace evidence include
- paint,
- glass,
- blood,
- bone,
- soft tissue,
- hair,
- fibers,
- wood,
- metal smears,
- masonry,
- stone.
Determine if latent fingerprint examinations should be performed prior to toolmark examinations.
Determine if other examinations (not requested) should be performed. If so, coordinate with the investigator.