Types and Uses of Forensic Laboratory Tools and Equipment

Inside the forensic laboratory, various tools and equipment are used to help the forces of the law determine the guilty parties, causes of accidents, injuries, and deaths, and solve all unanswered questions of cases forwarded to their department.

Types and Uses of Forensic Laboratory Tools and Equipment

Forensic Comparison Microscopes – These microscopes contain binocular eyepieces connected to each other. They allow the user to compare images of two similar or different specimens in order to find important clues in a given case. They can be low power or high power.

Low power microscopes are used to compare impressions, imprints, and marks between bullets, gun barrels, and various objects made from different types of materials like fabrics, woods, metals, and alloys. High power microscopes are used, on the other hand, to compare fingerprints, blood samples, and DNA found from hair, body parts, and objects.

Cameras – Various types of photographic equipment are used to obtain soft and hard copies and replicas of possible evidences and the crime scene in general. This is especially important if the crime scene is located outdoors and exposed to natural elements that could cause impressions to disappear and other important elements in the crime scene to change.

Fume Enclosures – Forensic teams are constantly exposed to toxic elements and that’s why fume enclosures should be provided in laboratories for their personal safety. Fume enclosures are used to protect forensic experts from inhaling harmful substances when they’re weighing toxic powders and substances, evaluating gunshot or bullet patterns using different acids, analyzing fingerprints using potentially harmful powders and solvents, and lastly, when print fuming with superglue.

Air-conditioning systems are not affected when fume enclosures are installed. Models are also portable to allow easy transfer between laboratories. Make sure the unit you choose is the right size, operates noiselessly, and with an effective monitoring system to let you know if you are nearing dangerous toxic levels.

Ultrasonic Cleaners – Certain tools, supplies, equipment, whether they belong to the forensic laboratory or not, have to be cleaned thoroughly at times. In these cases, an ultrasonic cleaner is used. Bigger units utilize tank drains and valves for cleaning while smaller units utilize built-in pour drains. Ultrasonic cleaners may come with mechanical or digital timers. It also comes with digital heat control and temperature monitors to let you know if you’re cleaning objects at ideal levels.

The latest models of ultrasonic cleaners can have preset settings to ensure that the same line of items will be cleaned with exactly the same desired levels.

Scalpels – These are used by crime scene and forensic investigators to scrape any fluid or stain from dried bodies, usually dead. Scalpels may be disposable or not. Most of them are sharply pointed while others have round points.

Laser Trajectory Kits – In most cases, these kits contain a laser, bullet and stringing tips, a tripod mount, connectors, penetration and photo rods, centering cones, and an angle finder.

Blood Splatter Kits – Blood splatter is one of the most important types of evidence you can obtain from the crime scene. Kits for blood splatter collection usually include crime scene sticks, strings, magnets, linen testers, photo scales, mounting putty, plastic tweezers, tape measure, and a scientific calculator.

Ultraviolet Lamp – These light sources let you see what the naked eye is unable to detect. It is extremely helpful in showing semen stains and other “invisible imprints”. If a person tries to delete evidence by cleaning it off, a powerful UV lamp could still show traces of evidence. Forensic experts need to wear specially designed forensic goggles to see marks made visible by ultraviolet lamps.

Flashlights – Albeit one of the simplest tools used by forensic investigators, flashlights are still extremely important when an investigator is looking for clues at night and in other low-light areas.

Scissors and Knives – Scissors, knives, and other related tools are also indispensable inside and outside the forensic laboratory. They can be used to cut out items of clothing simply and quickly without having to move the body unnecessarily. One sophisticated item in this category is the leatherman tool, combining various tools like screwdrivers, bottle opener, file, knife, wire cutter, and even an awl punch.

Drying Cabinets – These are used to dry off wet evidence and at the same time prevent the harmful odor it produces from being ingested.

Although costly to obtain, forensic laboratory tools and equipment must be regularly maintained and kept updated. If they are left in a state of disrepair, they may produce inaccurate results and prevent the resolution of cases.

Home | About Us | Products | Partners | Contact Us
Copright 2007 Forensic Comparison Microscope. All Rights Reserved.