That same type of evidence, submitted to the lab for another case, may never need to get tested. Methods of reporting and the type of data captured differ from department to department as well. The questions asked and the amount of information obtained about submitted evidence are determined by the lab section performing the tests. Not only do reporting methods differ, but so do the type and volume of reports. The submitting agency differs for the specimens as well and can vary among the police department, the medical examiner, or a hospital depending on the specimen and the case type.
Forensic laboratories are different in other ways as well.
Most striking is the perspective concerning the significance of particular evidence. All evidence from a crime falls under the umbrella of a single case, prompting the forensic analyst to look at the evidence collectively rather than individually. Indeed, a single piece of evidence may have no significance without the support of other evidence. And because the forensic analyst develops conclusions based on the evidence, it may not be necessary to test every item to draw those conclusions, even though several items of evidence may be submitted by the police agency to the lab. The final report is for the case, not an individual item.