Microscopic Procedures
The following should be addressed prior to any microscopic 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.
- After the requirements dictated by trace evidence and latent fingerprints have been addressed, the toolmarked area can be cleaned:
- Paint may be removed by soaking the tool in alcohol or acetone.
- Plaster may be removed by soaking the tool in 15 percent acetic acid.
- Loose material may be removed by rinsing the tool in water or methanol.
- Blood and other biohazards may be removed by soaking for at least one minute in a 10 percent bleach solution.
Click here to read a sample forensic worksheet and report -
Toolmark Identification (Tools & Toolmarks)
< Previous Page :: Next Page >