ASTM E3175-23 - Standard Practice for Training in the Forensic Examination of Hair by Microscopy

1.1 This practice covers training guidelines for use by forensic laboratory personnel responsible for training forensic examiners that will perform hair examinations, including microscopical comparisons of human hair.

1.2 Forensic hair examiners are trained in accordance with Practice E2917 and the discipline-specific guidelines (Guide E3316) and criteria within this practice.

1.3 This practice contains guidelines that include the tasks, goals, and objectives that allow the trainee to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to independently perform casework in the microscopical examination of hair.

1.4 This practice addresses the correlation between the analytical results of microscopical examinations and the potential for DNA analysis.

1.5 This practice addresses training for the microscopical examination of hairs and not the examination of chemical alterations (for example, hair dye) or trace materials on the surface of hairs (for example, hair care products).

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.