Through proven analytical techniques and forensic lab equipment, crime labs are integral to the success of forensic investigations.
Fingerprints, tire tracks, and DNA evidence collected from crime scenes, victims, or suspects are analyzed in a forensic lab. These specialized labs, often known as crime laboratories, use advanced scientific methods to establish if a crime has been committed and identify the responsible individuals.
In this article, we will cover the vital role of forensic laboratories in crime investigations by exploring the various testing methods a forensic scientist can perform. We will also touch on the general and specialized laboratory equipment commonly used and found in forensic labs.
What Can You Do Inside a Forensic Lab?
DNA Analysis
Forensic DNA analysis aids authorities in identifying individuals by examining their unique genetic makeup. This scientific method involves extracting DNA from biological samples, such as blood, hair, bodily fluids, or skin cells, which are then purified, analyzed, and compared to known DNA profiles. DNA samples can be analyzed using different methods, including polymerase chain reaction, mitochondrial DNA analysis, and short tandem repeat analysis.
Drug Chemistry
Forensic drug chemistry analyzes physical evidence or samples submitted to crime labs using presumptive and confirmatory tests. Besides conducting weight tests using an analytical balance, a forensic chemist can also perform microscopic analysis, UV spectroscopy, and gas chromatography to distinguish the general characteristics of the submitted samples. Other techniques to confirm the findings from presumptive screening include liquid chromatography, wet chemistry, capillary electrophoresis, and combined processes such as GC-MS and GC-IR.
Forensic Toxicology
Forensic toxicology detects and identifies toxic substances such as drugs and poisons in blood, urine, and other biological samples. It also establishes a relationship between exposure to certain substances and observed behavior or effects on suspects or victims. Toxicologists use gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other analytical techniques.
Trace Evidence Analysis
Trace evidence analysis is crucial in the absence of biological evidence. Its main goal is to reconstruct a crime scene and establish a link between the victim and suspect, victim and scene, and suspect and scene using qualified evidence such as hairs, glass, fibers, footwear, paint, and gunshot residue. Microscopes, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers, and GC-MS are lab equipment necessary for this process.
What Forensic Lab Equipment Do You Need?
Crime labs require a wide range of equipment to examine evidence from criminal cases. Some are typically found in general laboratories, while others are exclusively for forensic investigation. To give you an overview, we've compiled a list of fundamental laboratory equipment forensic labs should have.
Fingerprint Development Chambers
Typically available as benchtop or floor-standing units, fingerprint development chambers expedite the detection of latent prints on paper and other porous surfaces. These chambers utilize chemicals such as Diazafluoren (DFO), Ninhydrin, and other reagents to develop and visualize fingerprints efficiently.
Evidence Drying Cabinets
Evidence drying cabinets maintain the integrity of samples collected at crime scenes by providing a secure, ventilated environment for wet blood and other biological evidence to dry. These cabinets prevent cross-contamination, ensuring that the samples remain uncontaminated and viable for use in crime scene investigations.
Fume Hoods
Fume hoods remove chemical fumes and aerosols from the work area and exhaust filtered air outdoors. Ductless hoods, which recirculate filtered air into the lab, can also be used to match your lab setup.
Biosafety Cabinets
Biological safety cabinets are classified into various classes based on their level of protection and airflow characteristics. Class I units work like a ductless fume hood, whereas Class II biosafety cabinets combine the features of a ductless hood and vertical laminar flow. Meanwhile, Class III units are fully enclosed, equipped with gloves for handling materials, and have dedicated ventilation systems for the highest level of protection.
Centrifuges
Centrifuges are essential tools in forensic chemistry and the management of biological evidence. They separate components within blood and other bodily fluids, which is necessary for toxicology testing and DNA analysis. Depending on the application, a benchtop centrifuge, ultracentrifuge, or microcentrifuge can be used to meet specific needs.
Analytical Balances
Analytical balances measure up to 0.0001 grams with precision, making them indispensable for analytical and forensic processes. These lab balances are ideal for precisely weighing reagent components, which are often too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Evaporators
Laboratory evaporators produce dry samples. They are suitable for solvent recycling, solvent mixture separation, extractions, and sample concentration. They come in various models, including blowdown, centrifugal, and rotary evaporators, each using a different drying method.
Microscopes
Lab microscopes are invaluable for examining evidence, such as glass fragments found at crime scenes or on suspects. They are also essential for investigating gunshot residue through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, laboratory microscopes are crucial in studying pathogens responsible for outbreaks and determining potential causes of death.
Freezers
Freezers preserve biological evidence such as DNA samples, blood, bodily fluids, tissue samples, and hair. By maintaining low temperatures, ULT freezers prevent sample degradation, ensuring their viability for future toxicology testing, DNA analysis, and other forensic examinations.
Spectrophotometers
Spectrophotometers are highly effective in determining evidence's material and chemical composition, such as ink or fibers, by measuring and analyzing the wavelengths of light the material reflects. Depending on the sample, forensic scientists use either infrared or UV-vis spectrophotometers to conduct these analyses, ensuring precise and reliable results.
These represent just a few examples of the vital forensic lab equipment standard in crime labs. While each piece has its unique specialization, they share a common objective: aiding authorities in acquiring tangible evidence to resolve criminal cases effectively.
TLD offers high-quality lab equipment from trusted manufacturers to help you set up or upgrade your forensic lab. For assistance, contact our team at 1-800-733-2522, email, or message us via live chat, available on our website.
Sources:
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/forensics
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/forensics/forensic-toxicology
https://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/drugs/how.html
https://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/drugs/why.html
https://forensicscience.ufl.edu/2022/10/14/trace-evidence-the-role-in-forensic-science/
https://www.labcompare.com/Forensic-Laboratory-Equipment/
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