Laboratory Time and Resources

Time Required to Perform Laboratory Analysis

Step 1: Screening Process, cont.

Since more than one type of evidence may be located on an exhibit, other laboratory sections may become involved in the examination. For example, the laboratory may determine that the item must first be examined by the latent prints section to avoid damage or loss of potentially important evidence that may occur during the course of examination by the biology section. This situation may be immediately obvious upon receipt of the evidence or may be determined only during the biologist’s examination.

The screening process may be as straightforward as a visual examination, or it may require the use of specialized equipment such as microscopes and alternate light sources and/or chemical tests.