Equipment Used in Forensic Science Labs

The type of equipment used in forensic science labs and by forensic scientists is critical to accuracy and efficiency when analyzing physical evidence.

Forensic lab design consultants can help structure your lab so that it is functioning to the highest of standards seen in private and public laboratories across the country.

Types of Countertops

One of the biggest considerations for the layout of your forensics lab is the type of countertop you need. This is largely where the majority of your work will be accomplished.

Do you need something heat resistant? Does it need chemical-resistant properties?

These are all questions that are important in the field of forensics and part of the reason you can’t purchase standard countertops. Stainless steel and epoxy resin are two common options.

If you need a high tolerance to heat, epoxy resin can handle up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because of epoxy resin’s density and resistance to harsh chemicals, it makes a great choice for any type of laboratory.

If you want a cheaper option, phenolic resin has a better price range but does not have as wide a range of uses as its counterparts. For example, it only handles a few hundred degrees of heat and is not as resistant to high corrosion. Depending on what your laboratory performs, this might be the easier and cheaper option for you.

Stainless steel countertops are more resistant to fungi and bacteria. It also holds a high heat tolerance and is easy to clean.

Casework

When looking at types of forensic lab equipment, you cannot neglect the type of casework you purchase. Stainless steel cabinets are a great option for any type of medical facility.

They can withstand harsh chemicals and cleaning agents. Additionally, they can come in many different designs and are non-porous. This means that they are resistant to multiple types of bacterial agents and viruses. However, if you have opted for resin-based countertops, you might find that polypropylene casework and cabinets best fit your needs. They will not rust and are also resistant to stains, chemicals and very harsh corrosives.

Polypropylene casework also has a higher melting point and is easier to recycle than metal; this can make it a more environmentally friendly option for your lab.

Forensic Laboratory Equipment & Tools

The best forensic lab equipment enables labs to do everything from collection, DNA analysis, toxicology and more. Below are categories that equipment fall into:

• Collection
• Evidence Collection
• Fingerprinting
• DNA Analysis
• Toxicology
• Substance Handling

Many labs are using DNA analysis for their crime scene investigation. Crime cases and the use of lab equipment can quickly increase in price. Some cases can cost as much as $5,000.

However, forensics labs are useful in identifying criminals and victims. To help compensate for the cost, make sure you are investing in quality tools and equipment that will last you for years to come.

Additionally, take the leap now and invest in high-tech, digital equipment. This can provide you with faster results and often remove human error.

Collection

Portable Fuming Systems

These use microburst or traditional CA (cyanoacrylate) fuming methods to allow users to fix latent fingerprints at the crime scene quickly. They also protect the users from exposure to hazardous fumes without ducting.

These systems have a unique collapsible design making them easy to transport and set up. Thus, they help forensic labs save valuable processing time and storage space by enabling the development of prints on-site, quickly ruling out irrelevant evidence.

They also combine all components needed for fingerprint fuming in one compact, easy-to-transport unit. These include a microprocessor-controlled heater to heat the CA adhesive (Super Glue). A clear, shatter-resistant polycarbonate protective chamber and a built-in exhaust blower. They also have a particulate/carbon exhaust filter to trap smoke and the CA fumes exhausted from it.

Some of the available fuming systems are constructed from durable epoxy-coated steel with a stainless-steel manifold to support evidence inside the chamber.

Other collection equipment includes field power kits and accessories.

Evidence Processing

Fume Hoods

Fume hoods are one of the most important pieces of equipment in many labs. They help ensure the health and well-being of employees by removing chemical fumes and aerosols from the work area. It is common for fume hoods to vent outdoors, but ductless filter-based models are also available.

There are many different types of fume hoods. We can help you identify the features best fit for your forensic lab and needs.

Evidence Drying Cabinets

Evidence drying cabinets/hoods provide a secure, ventilated chamber for storing, drying, and processing wet evidence in a controlled environment. They provide the security and infrastructure needed to maintain the integrity of wet evidence by protecting it from potential contamination.

They also offer an effective shield that protects lab personnel from potentially harmful biological substances.

These cabinets provide a constant flow of air to dry evidence effectively. They also use innovative filtration technology to create a safe work environment over the broadest range of applications. Units with UV lights provide additional disinfection of the cabinets between cases/sessions. Units with lockable cabinets maintain the chain of custody.

The different types of evidence drying cabinets vary in models (floor-mounted and benchtop models), construction material (stainless steel or polypropylene), interior dimensions, filtration systems, and features to suit different forensic lab needs.

For example, cabinets with HEPA and carbon-filtered exhaust protect personnel from exposure to biohazards while eliminating odors.

Units with built-in options such as washdown systems with pumps help to decontaminate the cabinets efficiently.

Biosafety Cabinets

Biosafety cabinets (BSC), also referred to as biological safety cabinets, allow for a clean work environment without ductwork. They allow for the safe handling of pathogens, contaminants, and other potentially hazardous materials.

Forensic laboratories use them to protect personnel against biohazardous or infectious agents and to help maintain the integrity of the evidence or samples.

Most BSC use HEPA filters in both the exhaust and supply system to prevent exposure to biohazards. There are three classes of BSC based on their containment classification capabilities and performance attributes. These include:

• Class I: These protect the user and surrounding environment but offer no protection for the sample or evidence.
• Class II protects the user, environment, and sample. They come in four types, A1, A2, B1, and B2, with the main difference being their minimum inflow velocities and exhaust systems.
• Class III, also known as glove boxes, provides maximum protection. They come with a gas-tight enclosure, and all materials enter and leave through a dunk tank or double-door autoclave.

A forensic lab choice of BSC on the level of protection it needs for the samples, users, and the environment when examining biological evidence. Biosafety cabinets offer a different set of uses and features compared to lab fume hoods.

Toxicology

Evaporators

Lab evaporators allow for removing liquids from samples that need to be dry. Primary evaporator applications include sample concentration, solvent recycling, extractions, and separation of solvent mixtures.

Evaporators use motion, gas, heated or different combinations to produce a dry sample.

There are several different types of evaporators. These include:

• Blowdown evaporators that use gas (nitrogen) to remove liquid
• Centrifugal evaporators that use a combination of centrifugal force, vacuum, and heat to speed evaporation
• Rotary evaporators use motion and a distillation system to dry samples
• Vacuum dry evaporators use a combination of motion, heat, and vacuum to reduce samples

When choosing the most suitable evaporator for your lab, consider the type, application, footprint, and speed at which the evaporation process occurs.

Other equipment for toxicology include small enclosures and fume hoods.

Substance Handling

Fentanyl Hoods / Powder Enclosures

These high-efficiency enclosures are designed to contain hazardous powders and protect users from airborne powders and particulars. They provide the ideal solution for forensic labs to safely and effectively manage hazardous drugs such as fentanyl during manipulation and laboratory analysis.

Bulk powder enclosures help to contain particulate during the weighing and transfer of bulk powder. They also provide a well-ventilated space for safely storing powder-generating apparatus.

Standard features include a horizontal laminar airflow pattern that pulls particulates away from the users and through a dual-layer of HEPA filtration to capture even the finest powders effectively. A ductless design for easy installation. Also, the innovative Eversafe automatic safety controller monitors the entire filtration system, alerting users of any airflow or filter issues that may arise during operation.

Available models of the fentanyl Hoods include the following:

• Xpert Filtered Balance Systems with inbuilt blower and exhaust HEPA and Xpert Filtered Balance Stations designed to be ducted with an external blower and an exhaust HEPA filter.
• RXpert Single Filtered Balance Systems with ducting and RXpert Double Filtered Balance Systems without ducting, which are Class I biological safety cabinets that meet the USP <800> requirements for non-sterile hazardous drug compounding
• Mystaire Latitude Fentanyl Filtered hood

Filtered Glove Boxes

A filtered glove box is a leak-tight container used in forensic labs to protect the user from exposure to potentially hazardous materials. They also help safeguard evidence sensitive to air or water vapor.

Filtered glove boxes also have HEPA or ULPA filtration that enhances the user and sample protection by removing airborne particulates and powders inside the protective enclosure.

They are available in various types, including stainless steel or fiberglass-line ventilated, open-loop, closed-loop, and adjustable-flow configurations.

Configure them for positive pressure to protect products inside the glove box or negative pressure to protect personnel outside it.

Forensic Lab Design

The design of your lab can be the difference-maker in efficient workspaces. Typically, a full laboratory will have designated spaces for the following specialties:

• DNA evidence analysis
• Toxicology
• Drug testing
• Firearms
• Fingerprints
• Trace evidence

You will need space for cabinets, workbenches, countertops, and fume hoods. Custom lab benches can save you space and offer a more productive workspace.

You can also choose the type of lighting, shelving, electric hydraulic systems, and sound isolation that you want from these workspaces. If you don’t have enough space for them, you can opt for mobile lab benches that can be shifted around as needed.

Outfit Your Forensic Laboratory

Using the correct equipment in forensic science labs helps maintain analytical methods, lab personnel safety and sample accuracy. A well-equipped lab and efficient design can ultimately save time and aid forensic examination.

Are you wondering where to buy forensic lab equipment or need help with design? Contact CFI today and let one of our skilled consultants help with your forensics lab.