Forensic Publications
The below documents are management system documents utilized by ATF Forensic Laboratories. They are provided for informational purposes only. Sensitive or copyrighted information has been redacted. The documents are used in ATF Laboratories and not published with the intent of setting a policy or analysis standard for other laboratories. The inclusion of equipment/software manufacturer names does not imply endorsement by ATF Laboratories.
The documents were current as of February 28, 2018. ATF management system documents are reviewed annually and revised as needed. For specific requests, submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
 ATF-LS-E17 - Spot Tests (431.15 KB) |
Used for initial testing/screening of suspected intact and explosives residue.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E19 - Basic Calibration & Maintenance of the Stereo Microscope.final_.pdf (245.67 KB) |
This method describes the procedure for basic calibration and maintenance of the stereo microscope.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E20 - Basic Microscopy Setup on Compound Microscopes (243.12 KB) |
This method describes the procedure for basic microscopy setup on compound microscopes.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E21 - Maintenance and Calibration of Measuring Devices (255.72 KB) |
This document defines the policies, work instructions, schedule and documentation for the maintenance and calibration of measuring devices in the trace evidence discipline.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E22 - Bomb and Arson Tracking System (BATS) (247.78 KB) |
This policy is applicable to all Laboratory Services Forensic Science Laboratories when issuing lab reports containing information regarding an explosive or incendiary device.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E23 - Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (327.89 KB) |
This document provides guidelines establishing a common basis for identification of analytes using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E23.1 - Analysis of Explosives by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Utilizing a Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (275.24 KB) |
This method is applicable for the detection of commonly encountered high explosives by use of Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS), and Selective Reaction Monitoring (SRM) on a triple quadruple mass spectrometer.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E23.2 - Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) Method: Analysis of Explosives on an Orthogonal Acceleration q-TOF Mass Spectrometer (330.31 KB) |
This method covers the use of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) - mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MSMS) in explosive casework on an orthogonal acceleration (oa), quadrupole-time-of-flight (q-TOF) mass spectrometer.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E24 - Examination of Explosive Components (235.36 KB) |
This procedure broadly describes the standard principles which should be followed when examining and reporting on components associated with explosives investigations. | Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-E25 - Explosives Examination Report Writing (297.32 KB) |
This policy is applicable to explosives examinations in all ATF Forensic Science Laboratories. This procedure describes guidelines for reporting analyses, comparisons, and other interpretations drawn from explosives examinations.
| Explosives |
|
ATF-LS-FB01 Standard Approach to Forensic Biology Examination (335.19 KB) |
This protocol describes the general approach to Forensic Biology examinations. The protocol is not meant to encompass all possible circumstances that may be encountered in forensic casework.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB02 Alternate Light Source (252.1 KB) |
An Alternate Light Source (ALS) utilizes specific wavelengths of light to help locate body fluid stains on clothing or other items of evidence.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB05 Phenolphthalein Test for Blood (283.94 KB) |
This protocol is to be used when examining an exhibit of evidence for the presence of blood and is only a presumptive test.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB08 General QIAamp Micro DNA Extraction (330.63 KB) |
This protocol can be used to extract and purify DNA from reference samples and evidence samples containing biological material.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB09 General QIAamp Investigator DNA Extraction (339.33 KB) |
This protocol is to be used to extract and purify DNA from reference samples and samples of evidence containing biological material.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB11 Quantifiler (1.75 MB) |
This protocol is to be used to estimate the concentration of DNA in an extract.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB12 30 kD Microcon® DNA Concentration / Purification (275.83 KB) |
This protocol is used to concentrate and/or further purify DNA extracts.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB14 Identifiler (335.13 KB) |
This protocol is to be used with the Applied Biosystems (AB) AmpFlSTR™ Identifiler™ PCR Amplification Kit to amplify DNA extracted from known reference samples or biological material found on items of evidence.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB15 Applied Biosystems™ 3130 Genetic Analyzer (606.6 KB) |
This protocol is used to analyze the amplified DNA product on the Applied Biosystems™ (AB) 3130 Genetic Analyzer.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB16 Applied Biosystems GeneMapper ID (333.17 KB) |
This protocol is used to analyze the raw data generated by the Applied Biosystems™ (AB) 3130 Genetic Analyzer.
| Forensic Biology |