FDLE Home / Forensics > Forensic Submission FAQ > Trace Materials FAQ


Submission FAQ
Trace Materials

Do you have a limit on the number of items that can be submitted?

A: No, there is not limit. If you need guidance on submission, please contact the supervisor.

Do you examine or analyze soil, fire residue, Gun Shot Residue
(GSR), human hair or airbag residue?

A: No, The FBI, Fire Marshall or a private lab may be able to assist you.

Which laboratories in the state have a Trace Materials section?

A: Orlando is the only lab in the system that offers Trace Materials Services.

What types of case do the Trace Materials section work?

A: Only violent crimes-vehicle hit and run cases resulting in death or great bodily harm, homicide, sexual assaults, and home invasion cases.

What information can be provided in no suspect hit and run
cases?

A: Possible color, make and model and year of vehicle

Does a refinished/repainted vehicle prevent comparison?

A: No, it does not prevent a comparison between the questioned and known sample.

Can the make and model of a vehicle be determined by examining
suspect vehicle window glass?

A: No, it cannot. A standard from a known vehicle would need to be submitted for comparison.

Should I still submit evidence even though I looked at it and
I don’t see anything?

A: Yes, please submit. Often times trace material is not visible to the naked eye.

From the scene of a hit and run, there are vehicle parts left
behind. Should the parts be submitted?

A: Yes, an analyst can examine and possibly provide make and model and year based upon part numbers, mold markings and other characteristics.

How should evidence be packaged for submission into the lab
for Trace materials examination?

A: Clothing must be dried and packaged in paper. Glass must be packaged in plastic containers such as a film container​. Evidence with fractured edges, package in a manner to avoid further damage, such as in a box with packing material.



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