What types of examinations are performed in the Microanalysis section?
Because the evidence is often very small, examinations performed in the Microanalysis section involve the use of several different kinds of microscopes, including stereomicroscopes, polarized light microscopes and scanning electron microscopes. Also, because the materials examined are usually manufactured or mass-produced. Instrumental analysis is used to determine the composition of the material. The information gathered from the material is then compared to a submitted standard sample of the evidence in question. By performing these comparisons it is determined whether or not an item of evidence could have originated from a particular source. For example, the data collected from the examination of a paint smear on a hit and run victims clothing will be compared to the data collected from the paint on suspects vehicle.
