FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, December 1, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Fluorescence in Forensic Fiber Examinations

Keyword(s): fluorescence, fibers, microscopy

Submitting subcommittee(s): Chemistry Trace Materials Date Approved: August 18, 2022

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Yes, the 2021 CTS Fiber proficiency test revealed differences in how laboratories are examining fibers, with 

those who included fluorescence microscopy having more reliable results versus those who did not use 

fluorescence for screening or comparison of the fibers. Most of the latter were unable to recognize differences 

between the sets of fibers. 

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

No

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

Heider EC., Nirvani M, Campiglia A.D. "Identification of detergents for forensic fiber analysis." Analytical and 

bioanalytical chemistry 408.28 (2016): 7935-7943.

Goodpaster J. V., Liszewski E.A. "Forensic analysis of dyed textile fibers." Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry

394.8 (2009).

Grieve, M.C., Dunlop J., Haddock P. "An assessment of the value of blue, red, and black cotton fibers as target 

fibers in forensic science investigations." Journal of Forensic Science 33.6 (1988): 1332-1344.

Hartshorne A.W. , Laing D.K.. "Microspectrofluorimetry of fluorescent dyes and brighteners on single textile 

fibres: Part 1—Fluorescence emission spectra." Forensic science international 51.2 (1991): 203-220.

Hartshorne A.W., Laing D.K.. "Microspectrofluorimetry of fluorescent dyes and brighteners on single textile 

fibres: Part 2—Colour measurements." Forensic science international 51.2 (1991): 221-237.

Morgan, S. L., Nieuwland, A.A., Mubarak, C.R. "Forensic discrimination of dyed textile fibers using UV-VIS and 

fluorescence microspectrophotometry." Proceedings of the European Fibres Group (2004): 1-11.

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, December 1, 2020 2

No

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

These studies would aid in determining the wavelength ranges that provide the highest discriminating 

capabilities among fibers commonly encountered in forensic casework. The amount of time fibers are exposed to 

excitation sources can affect a fiber’s ability to fluoresce, but this time frame is not specifically known nor has 

the length of time it takes for dyed fibers to become quenched or photobleached been well- established for 

fluorescence microscopy. In casework, fiber examiners have found variability in the fluorescence of fibers 

analyzed, but do not have studies that identify the effects exposure to chemicals used in collecting or preserving 

evidence for other forensic disciplines (e.g., phenolphthalein, superglue fuming) have on fibers, or if there are 

manufacturing- specific or environmental contaminants that have the potential to alter the fluorescence 

properties of textile materials. Such information would be informative to better understand the level of 

discrimination of fluorescence microscopy in a forensic fiber analysis scheme and whether including 

fluorescence analysis could reduce false inclusions and false exclusions. Outcomes from these studies will be 

expected to assist fiber examiners with their understanding of, and ability to explain, differences of fluorescence 

properties observed during comparative examinations of textile fibers.

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

The fiber task group is planning on writing a document on Fluorescence Microscopy for Fiber analysis 

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

It would reduce false inclusions and false exclusions during comparative examinations of fibers that could be 

discriminated should analysis using fluorescence microscopy be regularly employed in a forensic fiber analysis 

scheme. It may also give examiners a better understanding of the significance of their findings.

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV):

1 Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.