Physical Separation of Forensic Mixtures - A Technology Transition Workshop

• NCJ Number: 236460
• Author(s): National Forensic Science Technology Center
• Date Published: January 2010
• Length: 6 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

The purpose of this Technology Transition Workshop is to provide the student with an introduction to the forensic uses of laser microdissection (LM) instruments, the various platforms available, and the associated techniques available for sample processing.

Abstract

The purpose of this Technology Transition Workshop is to provide the student with an introduction to the forensic uses of laser microdissection (LM) instruments, the various platforms available, and the associated techniques available for sample processing. LM has proven to be an effective method for cell mixture separations in the forensic laboratory. Its adaptation to the forensics field has provided a means of physically separating the components of assault mixtures, as well as improving the collection and DNA analysis associated with touch evidence samples. Students will receive instruction in the areas of slide preparation, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) methods, component separation of mixture samples via LM, and subsequent sample extraction, amplification, and data interpretation. Students will use the Carl Zeiss® PALM® MicroBeam System to physically separate and process the individual components of various prepared forensic mixtures.