PHYSICAL EVIDENCE MANUAL - Crime Scene Investigator Network

Physical Evidence Manual
Table 4: Fiber Collection Methods
Method Description Packaging When to Use
Adhesive lifts* Use fingerprint tape, cellophane
tape, or other clear adhesive
substrate and pat over the item.
Take care not to miss any areas or
allow the tape to become
“overloaded.” Post-It notes may
also be used for small areas.
“Pick” method Using your fingers or tweezers,
carefully retrieve the fiber taking
care not to pinch, crush, or stretch
Vacuum
sweepings
it.
Adopted: May 2002
Revisions: 6
Last Revision: January 31, 2008
Use a portable vacuum cleaner
equipped with special traps holding
a piece of filter paper. Lightly
vacuum the surface of interest. The
goal is to collect fiber evidence that
is on the surface of the object, not
to clean it.
Stick adhesive tapes
onto a clear, colorless
plastic sheet (e.g.
transparency film).
Place into a paper
envelope or bag. Fold
Post-It notes in half and
place into a paper
envelope.
Place the fiber into a
paperfold, in a folded
Post-It note, or paper
envelope.
Carefully remove the
filter trap, cover with
the lid or cap, and
package in a paper or
plastic bag.
For fibers you cannot
see, or to be sure you
have not missed any.
Good on car seats,
surfaces of clothing, and
other medium to large
surfaces.
For fibers you can see.
* Care should be taken to store adhesive lifting materials in such a way that they
will not become contaminated prior to use.
Collection of Fiber Standards
Standards (or a possible source) are required when the laboratory is requested
to perform a fiber comparison.
If the possible source can be packaged and transported to the laboratory with
ease, submit the entire object (e.g. clothing items, throw rugs, etc.)
If the fiber source is believed to be from a large object or one not easily
transported, such as car upholstery or carpeting from a dwelling or vehicle, cut
representative samples from various areas of the carpeting. Be sure to collect
samples from areas that are visually different (e.g. different colored areas, faded
areas due to sunlight, worn sections, etc.). Samples should be about 1x1 inch
unless you see variations in the carpet that would warrant a larger sample
cutting.
Package the garment, object, or sample cuttings in paper envelopes or bags and
clearly label with a description of where the standard came from.
For fibers you cannot
see, or to be sure you
have not missed any.
Good on car seats,
sections of carpeting, and
other large surfaces.
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