OSAC 2023-N-0027 Standard for Forensic 

Trace Evidence Recovery 

1 

OSAC 2023-N-0027 

Standard for Forensic Trace 

Evidence Recovery 

Trace Materials Subcommittee 

Chemistry: Trace Evidence Scientific Area Committee 

Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science 

 
 OSAC 2023-N-0027 Standard for Forensic 

Trace Evidence Recovery 

2 

Draft OSAC Proposed Standard 

OSAC 2023-N-0027 Standard for 

Forensic Trace Evidence Recovery 

Prepared by 

Trace Materials Subcommittee 

Version: 1.0 

September 2023 

Disclaimer 

This OSAC Proposed Standard was written by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees 

(OSAC) for Forensic Science following a process that includes an open comment period. This 

Proposed Standard will be submitted to a standards developing organization and is subject to 

change. 

There may be references in an OSAC Proposed Standard to other publications under development 

by OSAC. The information in the Proposed Standard, and underlying concepts and methodologies, 

may be used by the forensic-science community before the completion of such companion 

publications. 

Any identification of commercial equipment, instruments, or materials in the Proposed Standard 

is not a recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Government and does not imply that the 

equipment, instruments, or materials are necessarily the best available for the purpose. 
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Table of Contents 

1. Scope Page 4 

2. Referenced Documents Page 4 

3. Terminology Page 5 

4. Summary of Guide Page 5 

5. Significance and Use Page 5 

6. Materials Page 5 

7. Documentation Page 6 

8. Evidence Handling Page 6 

9. Detection of Trace Evidence Page 7 

10. Collection of Trace Evidence Page 8 

11. Packaging of Trace Evidence Page 11 

12. Reporting Page 11 

13. References Page 12 

 
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1 1. Scope 

2 

3 1.1 Trace evidence is physical evidence that can result from the transfer of small quantities of 

4 materials such as hairs, fibers, paint, tape, glass, and geological materials. The primary focus 

5 of this guide is to assist individuals in the detection, handling and preservation of trace evidence 

6 in the laboratory. Although the bulk of the procedures and steps included in this guide are 

7 applicable in the laboratory settings, certain aspects of trace evidence collection, handling, and 

8 preservation can be applicable in the field (i.e. crime scene).

9 

10 1.1.1 Some specialized types of trace evidence such as soil (see Guide E3272-21), 

11 lubricants, lachrymators, fire debris, and explosives have special considerations for 

12 collection that are outside the scope of this document. 

13 

14 1.2 The goal is to aid the forensic examiner in the selection and application of these techniques 

15 based on the circumstances of each case. 

16 

17 1.3 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the 

18 requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and have 

19 demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.

20 

21 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized 

22 principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development 

23 of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade 

24 Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 

25 

26 2. Referenced Documents 

27 

28 E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts 

29 E1188 Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical Items by a 

30 Technical Investigator 

31 E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation 

32 E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic 

33 Science Laboratory 

34 E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science 

35 E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and 

36 Professional Development Programs 

37 E3272 Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal 

38 Forensic Applications 

39 

40 3. Terminology 

41 

42 3.1 Definitions- For definitions of terms used in this guide, refer to Terminology E1732.

43 

44 4. Summary of Guide 

45 

46 4.1 This guide includes a summary of techniques for the detection, collection, and preservation 
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47 of trace evidence. The techniques described are those that are most often used in a laboratory 

48 setting. 

49 

50 5. Significance and Use 

51 

52 5.1 Trace evidence collection is a complex and delicate process. Certain trace evidence 

53 materials are more prone to deterioration, degradation, or obliteration than others during 

54 collection, storage, and analyses in the laboratory. Therefore, the integrity and significance of 

55 trace material as evidence relies on its proper detection, collection, and preservation for future 

56 analysis. 

57 

58 5.1.1 The order of testing is considered as other forensic examinations could result in the 

59 loss, damage, or destruction of trace evidence. This includes both physical processes such 

60 as creating test fires from firearms and swabbing for DNA, and chemical processes such 

61 as processing for latent prints and applying chemicals for Gun Shot Residue (GSR) 

62 analysis. 

63 

64 5.1.1.1 The collection of trace evidence is considered prior to these types of 

65 examinations. 

66 

67 5.1.2 The collection and preservation of trace evidence could, if not done in a deliberate 

68 manner, damage other types of evidence present on an item such as DNA, latent prints, 

69 and GSR. 

70 

71 5.2 To minimize loss or destruction of trace evidence, only trained personnel will collect and 

72 handle trace evidence. Coordination or consultation with other forensic science practitioners 

73 in other specialty areas is encouraged. 

74 

75 6. Materials 

76 

77 6.1 Tools: tweezers, cutting tools (for example: scissors, scalpels), scraping tools (for example: 

78 large straight blade metal spatula, razor blades), hand magnifiers, stereomicroscope, 

79 lighting/light sources, camera, vacuum with specialized vacuum collection filters, etc. 

80 

81 6.2 Collection supplies: adhesive lifters, adhesive notes, etc. 

82 

83 6.3 Packaging materials: envelopes, bags, other leak proof containers, adhesive notes, tape, 

84 labeling materials. 

85 

86 7. Documentation 

87 

88 7.1 Records are generated during the detection, collection, and preservation processes and 

89 maintained. For additional information, see E1492 and E1188. These records include: 

90 

91 7.1.1 Label on the outer packaging of each item to identify the contents. For 

92 additional information see Guide E1459. 

93 
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94 7.1.2 Initial condition of the item from which evidence is collected. 

95 

96 7.1.3 Location from which trace evidence was collected is documented via notes, 

97 

98 7.1.4 Sketches, measurements, photographs, or a combination of these. 

99 

100 7.1.5 Condition of the trace evidence prior to collection. 

101 

102 7.1.6 Collection technique(s) used and method(s) of application. 

103 

104 7.1.7 Observations made on trace evidence collected. 

105 

106 7.1.8 The condition of the item after trace evidence collection is completed. For example, 

107 situations where a portion of the trace evidence was collected but additional trace 

108 evidence remains on the item. 

109 

110 7.2 If the examiner observes other types of evidence with potential forensic value, it is 

111 communicated in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures. 

112 

113 8. Evidence Handling 

114 

115 8.1 Evidence requiring analyses by multiple disciplines calls for coordination between those 

116 forensic science practitioners to determine the order of examinations. Unless circumstances 

117 dictate otherwise, the trace evidence should be collected and preserved prior to other 

118 examinations. 

119 

120 8.2 General principles and practices to prevent evidence contamination and loss include the 

121 following: 

122 

123 8.2.1 Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn such as laboratory 

124 coats, masks, hair nets, disposable gloves, and respirators to prevent contamination or 

125 transfer of material between locations, personnel, and evidentiary items such as 

126 clothing from the victim and suspect, locations, and personnel. 

127 

128 8.2.2 Evidence examination areas have adequate lighting, easy to clean surfaces, and a 

129 physical environment designed to restrict excessive air currents, static electricity, and 

130 general foot traffic. 

131 

132 8.2.3 Equipment and work surfaces used during collection and examination are cleaned 

133 before processing begins and as often as necessary to prevent contamination. 

134 

135 8.2.4 Collection supplies, such as adhesive lifts, are stored and maintained in a manner 

136 to avoid contamination. Protect the edges of tape and other adhesive lifters to prevent 

137 extraneous materials from adhering to them. 

138 

139 8.2.5 Handle evidence as little as possible to minimize exposure to contaminants or 
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140 loss of evidence prior to its collection. 

141 

142 8.2.5.1 Items that contain trace evidence are processed on a clean sheet of paper 

143 to preserve any material that falls from the item. The material captured on the 

144 paper or the paper itself are preserved. 

145 

146 8.2.5.2 The initial examination of questioned and known items for trace evidence 

147 are conducted separately in different locations, at different times, or both, to 

148 prevent cross-contamination. 

149 

150 8.2.5.3 If the examination dictates that two items be examined in close proximity 

151 such as the physical fit examination of tape from bindings and a roll, first collect 

152 and preserve trace evidence and other materials that could be transferred between 

153 the items. 

154 

155 8.2.6 Any contact, condition, or situation that could have caused contamination, the 

156 loss of evidence, or otherwise compromised the evidence is documented and 

157 communicated in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures. 

158 

159 9. Detection of Trace Evidence 

160 

161 9.1 Methods used for detecting trace evidence include, but are not limited to, general visual 

162 searches, visual searches assisted by different types of illumination, such as oblique lighting 

163 and alternate light sources, and visual searches assisted by magnification (hand magnifier, 

164 stereomicroscope, etc.). 

165 

166 9.1.1 Visual searches can be assisted by different configurations of illumination. 

167 

168 9.1.1.1 It can be helpful to reduce overhead lighting, such as ceiling lights, when 

169 using lighting at different angles. 

170 

171 9.1.1.2 Oblique lighting is useful for visualizing surface particles such as a hair 

172 sticking up off of clothing or reflective items such as glass and glitter. 

173 

174 9.1.2 Visual searches for materials such as paint, fibers, hairs, and glass can be 

175 assisted by using different wavelengths of light. 

176 

177 9.1.2.1 Materials such as fibers, paint, and glass can fluoresce or respond 

178 differently than the substrate when exposed to certain wavelengths of light, 

179 making them more visible. 

180 

181 9.1.3 Visual searches can be assisted by using magnification such as a lighted 

182 magnifier lamp, lighted hand magnifier, or stereomicroscope, which can aid in 

183 visualization of small particles. 

184 

185 9.2 The use of different colored backgrounds also aids in the visualization and collection of 
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186 trace evidence, for instance, using black paper as a background for collecting white hairs 

187 from debris. 

188 

189 10. Collection of Trace Evidence 

190 

191 10.1Use trace evidence recovery techniques that ensure the targeted evidence is collected while 

192 minimizing the collection of background material. More general recovery techniques are used 

193 when the targeted material is unknown. 

194 

195 10.2Consider how the collection technique might affect the targeted trace evidence to be 

196 collected. 

197 

198 10.3Consider how the collection technique might affect any subsequent testing being done 

199 by other disciplines 

200 

201 10.4Collection methods can be performed sequentially, for example, picking hairs 

202 intertwined in the fabric of a fleece jacket followed by scraping to collect loose particles. 

203 

204 10.5Collecting Trace Evidence from Items or Areas 

205 

206 10.5.1Particle picking. Evidence can be picked from items of evidence using clean 

207 forceps or other implements. 

208 

209 10.5.2Lifting. An adhesive-bearing substrate such as tape, adhesive note, or adhesive 

210 lifter can be used to collect trace evidence from a surface. 

211 

212 Discussion: See 8.2.4 for the maintenance of adhesive lifters used for collection 

213 purposes. 

214 

215 10.5.2.1 Consider the type of evidence targeted for collection when choosing to 

216 use adhesive lifters. For example, do not use adhesive lifters to collect paint or 

217 polymers as the adhesive can leach into the material and change its chemistry. 

218 

219 Note: These adhesive lifters are not suitable for collection of dust or soil 

220 evidence. Consult other standards or a geological subject matter expert. 

221 

222 10.5.2.2Adhesive lifters are not always appropriate for items to be tested for 

223 wearer DNA as it would remove skin cells from the surface of clothing items. A 

224 DNA subject matter expert should be consulted prior to the use of adhesive lifters 

225 in these cases. 

226 

227 10.5.2.3Large adhesive sheets are available for use on larger areas such as 

228 vehicle seats. Small lifters such as adhesive notes are suitable for small areas 

229 such as a knife blade. 

230 

231 10.5.2.4The lifter is repeatedly and firmly patted or rolled over the item, causing 
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232 loosely adhering trace evidence to stick to the lifter. Do not overload the lifter. 

233 

234 10.5.2.5Lifts should be maintained in a manner that allows the trace material 

235 collected to be easily viewed, recovered, and preserved (for example placing the 

236 lifter on a clear piece of plastic before placing it in a manila envelope). 

237 

238 10.5.3Scraping to Collect Loose Material. A clean spatula or similar tool is used to 

239 dislodge trace evidence from an item onto a collection surface such as clean paper. 

240 

241 10.5.4Scraping to Collect Embedded or Adhering Material. A razor blade or scalpel 

242 is used to scrape evidence from an object, for example, scraping paint smears from a 

243 car part. 

244 

245 10.5.5Cutting. Trace evidence can be cut from an item. The area to be cut is chosen 

246 so as not to affect subsequent testing of the item. 

247 

248 10.5.6Vacuum Sweeping. A vacuum cleaner equipped with a filter trap is used to 

249 recover trace evidence from an item or area. 

250 

251 10.5.6.1The appropriate vacuum parts, filter, and trap are changed and cleaned 

252 between uses. 

253 

254 10.5.6.2Specialized vacuum filters are needed. A traditional vacuum cleaner bag 

255 is not suitable for collection unless the vacuum cleaner bag is new and the 

256 vacuum has been cleaned in a manner to ensure cross-contamination does not 

257 occur. 

258 

259 Note: These filters are not suitable for collection of dust or soil evidence. Consult 

260 other standards or a geological subject matter expert. 

261 

262 10.5.6.3Consider using this method after other collection techniques as it is 

263 indiscriminate and can result in the collection of a large amount of extraneous 

264 material. 

265 

266 10.5.6.4Vacuuming can be appropriate in cases where the evidence is not 

267 accessible by other methods such as an item with deep crevices, the collection 

268 area is large or when a significant amount of time has passed since the incident 

269 in question. 

270 

271 10.6Collecting Trace Evidence from Individuals 

272 

273 10.6.1These types of collections are not typically performed in a laboratory setting. 

274 This information is included so an examiner can advise other personnel such as police, 

275 nurses or medical examiners in these types of collections. There are also situations 

276 where laboratory personnel are requested to perform such collections. 

277 
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278 10.6.2Combing. A clean comb or brush is used to recover trace evidence from the hair 

279 of an individual. 

280 

281 10.6.2.1This is performed over a clean piece of paper to collect any material that 

282 can become dislodged during the combing process. 

283 

284 10.6.2.2The combing device, the paper, and collected debris from the hair are 

285 collected and packaged together. 

286 

287 10.6.3Clipping. While DNA is typically the focus for evidence collection from 

288 fingernails, trace evidence such as fibers, paint, etc. can also be recovered from 

289 fingernails by nail clipping, scraping, or both. 

290 

291 10.6.3.1Fingernails are clipped with clean scissors or clippers and packaged in 

292 clean paper. 

293 

294 10.6.3.2Fingernails are scraped with a clean implement to collect debris from 

295 under the fingernails. Package the collected debris and the scraping device as one 

296 unit, typically in a paper fold. 

297 

298 10.6.3.3Commonly, fingernails from the right and left hands are packaged 

299 separately. This does not preclude the collection of each or any nail, such as a 

300 nail with obvious damage, separately from all others. 

301 

302 10.6.3.4Particle picking. Evidence can be picked using clean forceps or other 

303 implements. 

304 

305 10.7Collecting Known Samples 

306 

307 10.7.1Consult specific ASTM standards for the collection of known samples such as 

308 hairs, fibers, paint, glass, tape, etc. 

309 

310 10.7.2 A subsample from the known is collected for comparison with the questioned 

311 trace evidence, when applicable. The subsample can be targeted or representative, 

312 sufficient to represent all variations present within that item, as applicable. The areas 

313 from which these samples are collected are documented.

314 

315 10.7.3If chemical processing of an item can change or affect its chemistry, a 

316 representative known sample is collected prior to processing and is preserved for future 

317 comparisons. For example, collect a small portion of tape, which includes the backing, 

318 scrim, and adhesive, prior to processing the tape for latent prints. 

319 

320 11. Packaging of Trace Evidence 

321 

322 11.1Trace evidence and items to be examined for trace evidence are packaged and sealed in 

323 a way that prevents loss or contamination. 

324 
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325 11.1.1Collect, package, and seal items individually in appropriate packaging. 

326 

327 11.1.2Keep items in a secure, sealed package until the item is processed in a 

328 controlled environment. 

329 

330 11.1.3Small or loose trace evidence is secured in clean, appropriately sized, unused 

331 primary leak-proof containers such as paper packets or plastic boxes. The primary 

332 container is appropriately secured in an envelope or paper bag. 

333 

334 11.1.4Clothing and other items that are wet are air dried as soon as possible, without 

335 exposure to heat or sunlight, in a secured area in a manner that prevents loss or 

336 contamination of trace evidence. However, items to be examined for ignitable liquid 

337 residues or other chemicals such as bleach are not dried as this can cause a loss of 

338 evidence. 

339 

340 11.1.4.1Clean sheets of paper are laid under items to collect any trace evidence 

341 that can fall from the item during drying. Any trace evidence collected on the paper 

342 will be preserved. 

343 

344 12. Reporting 

345 

346 12.1The general requirements for reporting opinions of scientific or technical procedures will 

347 meet or exceed the requirements of Practice E620 and in laboratory policies and procedures. 

348 

349 12.2The trace evidence recovery can be reported separately or in conjunction with a material350 specific analysis report. 

351 

352 12.3A trace evidence recovery report should include the following: 

353 

354 12.3.1The items of evidence processed. 

355 

356 12.3.2A description of what was collected from each item. This can be a general 

357 descriptor such as “debris” or more specific descriptors such as “apparent hairs”, 

358 “apparent paint”, etc. 

359 

360 Note: If material-specific analyses are not performed, appropriate qualifiers such as 

361 “possible” or “apparent” are added to the descriptors when describing the materials that 

362 were collected. 

363 

364 12.3.3Collection of known exemplars 

365 

366 12.3.4Recommendations for further examination of the collected material. 

367 

368 12.3.5 Request for known standards if future comparison examinations are recommended. 

369 

370 
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371 13. References 

372 (1) Abrele, M., Kobus, H., Robertson, J., O’Driscoll, C., Hoogewerff, J.A., “A Fresh Scientific 

373 Look at Transfer and Persistence: From Materials Science and Tribology Perspective,”

374 Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol 67, No. 1, 2022, pp. 9-27. 

375 (2) Buzzini, P., Chi-Chung Yu, J., “General Principles and Techniques of Trace Evidence 

376 Collection,” In Mozayani, A., Fisher, C.P., Forensic Evidence Management, Florida, Taylor 

377 & Francis Group, 2021, pp. 75-97. 

378 (3) De Forest, P.R., “What is Trace Evidence?,” In Caddy, B. (Ed.), Forensic Examination of 

379 Glass and Paint: Analysis and Interpretation, New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2001, 

380 pp. 1- 25. 

381 (4) Houck, M. M., Mute Witnesses- Trace Evidence Analysis, California, Academic Press, 

382 2001. 

383 (5) Houck, M. M., Trace Evidence Analysis- More Cases in Mute Witness, Massachusetts, 

384 Elsevier Academic Press, 2004. 

385 (6) Palenik, S., Palenik, C., “Microscopy and “Microchemistry of Physical Evidence,” In 

386 Saferstein, R., (Ed.) Forensic Science Handbook, 2nd ed., Vol. II, New Jersey, Prentice 

387 Hall, 1988, pp.176-183. 

388 (7) OSAC 2021-N-0009, Standard Practice for the Collection and Preservation of Organic 

389 Gunshot Residue. 

390 (8) Schwartz, T.R., Rothenberg, D.S., Clark, B.L., “Trace Evidence Recognition, Collection, 

391 and Preservation,” In Desiderio, V. J., Taylor, C. E., Niamh, N.N. (Ed.), Handbook of Trace 

392 Evidence Analysis, New Jersey: Wiley and Sons, 2021, pp. 1-30.