Laboratory Organization
A full-service forensic laboratory is organized into specialized units, each requiring different instrumentation and expertise. Common units include: Biology/DNA (DNA extraction, amplification, and profiling using capillary electrophoresis), Chemistry/Toxicology (drug identification using GC-MS and immunoassay, blood alcohol analysis), Latent Prints (fingerprint development, comparison, and AFIS database searching), Firearms/Toolmarks (bullet and cartridge case comparison, firing distance determination, serial number restoration), Trace Evidence (fiber, glass, paint, and fire debris analysis), Questioned Documents (handwriting examination, ink analysis, document authentication), and Digital Forensics (computer and mobile device examination). Each unit operates under standard operating procedures (SOPs) that ensure consistent, reproducible results.