Microscopic Procedure

The following preliminary steps should be addressed prior to any of the case 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:
- 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.