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-FB21 Swabbing Evidence for DNA Analysis (375.19 KB) |
This method describes how to sample evidence items for potential biological material suitable for DNA analysis.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB22 Staff DNA Index (297.52 KB) |
The purpose of the DNA Staff Index is to detect contamination of DNA profiles resulting from individuals who handled the evidence during, or after, the investigation or those who may enter evidence processing laboratories during the course of routine duties.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB23 Low Template DNA Extraction using the QIAamp® Investigator Kit on the QIAcube® Robotic Workstation (1.9 MB) |
This protocol is used to extract and purify DNA from low template evidence samples and hair root material.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB26 Outsourced Casework Samples (259.34 KB) |
This procedure covers outsourcing of casework samples and ensures that a technical review is performed to verify the integrity of the DNA data received from the vendor laboratory.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB27 BlueStar Presumptive Test for Blood (261.12 KB) |
This protocol is to be used when examining an exhibit of evidence or a crime scene for the presence of blood and is only a presumptive test.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB28 Quality Control of Reagents (466.41 KB) |
This protocol outlines the frequency and type of quality control checks that are to be conducted on critical reagents to ensure the high quality of work suitable for a forensic casework laboratory.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB29 Quality Control of Instruments and Equipment Maintenance (589.92 KB) |
This protocol outlines the frequency and type of maintenance, calibration, and/or verifications that are to be conducted to keep our instruments and equipment in good working order and suitable for use in forensic casework.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB30 GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit (546.04 KB) |
This protocol is to be used to amplify DNA extracted from known reference samples or biological material found on items of evidence.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB31 Applied Biosystems™ 3130 Genetic Analyzer -GlobalFiler™ (554.2 KB) |
This protocol is used to analyze the amplified DNA product on the Applied Biosystems™ (AB) 3130 Genetic Analyzer.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB32 Applied Biosystems™ GeneMapper® ID-X Software (2.08 MB) |
This protocol is to be used to analyze the raw data generated by the Applied Biosystems™ (AB) 3130 Genetic Analyzer.
| Forensic Biology |
|
ATF-LS-FB35 General QIAamp Micro Double AL DNA Extraction (337 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-FRL 1588 Thermocouple Standard Operating Procedures (120.33 KB) |
Standard operating procedures for 1588 thermocouple.
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL Combustion Calorimeter Standard Operating Procedures (825.63 KB) |
Standard operating procedures for the combustion calorimeter.
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL Digital Cameras Standard Operating Procedures (734.96 KB) |
Standard operating procedures for digital cameras.
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL Engineering Project File Content (271.78 KB) |
The purpose of this PPG establishes the standard for the structure of Fire Research Laboratory project file jackets.
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL FireTOSS Calculation Documentation Requirements (256 KB) |
This document lists the requirements for documenting and reviewing calculations that are incorporated into the compiled FireTOSS code that is used by the ATF, Fire Research Laboratory (FRL).
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL Heat Flux Transducer LI002 (358.65 KB) |
This instruction covers the use of Schmidt-Boelter Heat Flux Transducers in FRL custom experiments.
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL Hotwire Anemometer -Standard Operating Procedures (814.89 KB) |
Standard operating procedure for a hotwire anemometer.
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL LI001 Thermocouple (612.71 KB) |
This instruction covers the use, design, and specifications of thermocouples used at the ATF Fire Research Laboratory (FRL).
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |
|
ATF-LS-FRL LI007 Stopwatch (264.34 KB) |
This instruction covers the use of stopwatches used by the ATF Fire Research Laboratory (FRL) examiners.
| Fire Research Engineer Testing |