Trace Department

Trace evidence refers to materials that are transferred from one person (suspect) to another (victim) during the commission of a crime. This department identifies and compares different types of biological and non-biological trace materials. The results of trace analysis done at GFSL are interpreted and reported to the submitting agency and, if necessary, expert testimony is given in court.

The types of trace evidence analyzed in this department include:

Bodily Fluids

◆ Blood
◆ Semen
◆ Saliva
◆ Urine
◆ Faeces

Other

◆ Hair
● Human and Animal
◆ Fibres
● Natural and Synthetic
◆ Gunshot Residue
◆ Paint
◆ Soil
◆ Fire Debris and Accelerants
◆ Glass

Techniques used for analysis of trace materials include:

➔ Presumptive Color Tests
➔ Field Test Kits
➔ Microscopy: Light Microscopy, Comparison Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy
➔ Gas Chromatography/ Flame Ionisation Detector (GC/FID)