Forensics
Forensic science applications employ lab techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and mass spectrometry to analyze crime scene evidence. Forensic disciplines are classified by the type of material analyzed (e.g., DNA, bodily fluids, drugs - alcohol - poisons in biological samples, explosives, bullets, human remains, prints) and the purpose of the analysis (e.g., identity, cause and time of death, substance identification, weapon matching).
How Hamilton Supports Forensic Science Workflows
Forensic Science Workflows
1
Collecting and Preserving Critical Evidence
Crime scene investigators collect physical evidence (DNA, fingerprints, blood, weapons).
2
Laboratory Analysis
Scientists analyze DNA, toxicology, ballistics, and trace evidence. Techniques include PCR for DNA, capillary electrophoresis for Short Tandem Repeat (STR) profiling, and LC-MS for drug analysis, which are standard tools in a forensic science lab where accuracy is essential
3
Reporting and Court Testimony
Forensic experts compile reports and present findings in court. Scientific evidence helps prove guilt or innocence in legal proceedings.
4
Data Interpretation and Matching
Lab results are compared with forensic databases. STR profiles, chemical signatures, and ballistic patterns help identify suspects.
In the field of forensic science, precision and reliability are paramount. Our advanced solutions support forensic scientists in critical processes like DNA Profiling and Forensic Toxicology with automated solutions for sample preparation, PCR setup, and NGS library prep, among others. Whether you’re automating or working manually, our full range of precision pipettes is designed to support your workflow.
Hamilton sample tracking solutions ensure reliable traceability and empower crime laboratories to deliver accurate results with confidence.
Explore Hamilton Products for Key Forensics Applications
Good to Know About Forensics
This section provides a selection of additional resources related to the application described on this page. It includes helpful articles, videos, and blogs that offer deeper insights into the topic.
Hamilton Products in Action
A collection of videos showcasing Hamilton products in use, providing practical insights into their functionality and benefits.
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Overview of Commonly Automated Techniques in Forensics
Forensic laboratories are increasingly turning to liquid-handling automation to improve efficiency, boost throughput, and ensure precision. Automated systems streamline sample preparation, reduce human error, and improve reproducibility in forensic workflows. These are some of the forensic techniques that benefit from automation:
- Automated Forensic DNA Extraction: Robotic liquid handlers automate the isolation of DNA samples from forensic samples.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Automated reagent dispensing for DNA amplification.
- Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis: Automated sample preparation for forensic DNA profiling.
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): Automated sample prep for detecting drugs and toxins in blood, urine, or tissue.
- Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Automates the full assay setup for drug and alcohol screening, including reagent dispensing, sample processing, and detection.
- Automated Liquid handling for Sample Prep: Prepares multiple forensic samples for DNA, toxicology, and serology workflows.
What is the Difference Between Forensic Science and Forensic Laboratory Analysis?
While closely related, forensic science and forensic laboratory analysis serve distinct roles in criminal investigations.
Forensic science
Forensic science is a broad discipline that encompasses a wide range of scientific fields and techniques used to investigate crimes. It includes areas such as forensic biology, chemistry, toxicology, digital forensics, and more.
Forensic scientists apply scientific principles to recover, analyze, and interpret physical evidence, all while helping investigators solve crimes and courts reach informed decisions. They may work in various settings, including crime scenes, laboratories, and courtrooms.
Forensic laboratory analysis
Forensic laboratory analysis refers to the specific procedures and techniques used within a laboratory to examine and analyze evidence collected from crime scenes. This includes tasks such as DNA profiling, drug testing, and toxicology screening.
Laboratory analysts focus on the detailed examination of evidence using specialized equipment and methodologies. They focus on precision and reproducibility, ensuring accurate results that support confident conclusions.
In summary, forensic science is the overarching field that includes various scientific disciplines and applications, while forensic laboratory analysis is a specific aspect of forensic science that deals with the detailed examination of evidence within a laboratory setting.
Where Forensic Science Is Used (Industries and Purposes)
Purpose: Solving crimes, identifying suspects, and providing evidence in court during criminal investigations.
Industries:
- Police departments and law enforcement agencies
- Federal investigative agencies (FBI, Interpol, Europol)
- Forensic crime laboratories
- Court systems (expert witness testimony)
Purpose: Supporting legal cases, fraud detection, and insurance claims.
Industries:
- Law firms (forensic document examination, DNA analysis)
- Insurance companies (fraud detection, accident reconstruction)
- Private investigation agencies
Purpose: Identifying causes of death, medical malpractice cases, and substance abuse testing.
Industries:
- Medical examiners and coroners (forensic pathology)
- Hospitals and toxicology labs (drug testing, and poison detection)
- Occupational health and workplace drug screening
Purpose: Counterterrorism, biosecurity, and identifying threats.
Industries:
- Military forensic units (ballistics, chemical/biological weapon analysis)
- Intelligence agencies (cyber forensics, biometric identification)
- Customs and border control (drug and explosives detection)
Purpose: Investigating cybercrimes, hacking, and data breaches.
Industries:
- IT security firms (cyber forensics, data recovery)
- Financial institutions (fraud detection, identity theft cases)
- Government agencies (cybercrime investigation, counter-hacking)
Purpose: Identifying pollution sources, regulatory compliance, and industrial accidents.
Industries:
- Environmental protection agencies (contaminant tracing, illegal dumping)
- Oil and chemical industries (spill analysis, hazardous material tracking)
- Workplace safety organizations (forensic accident investigation)
Purpose: Advancing forensic science through innovation and education.
Industries:
- Universities and forensic research labs
- Government-funded research institutions
- Private R&D firms (developing forensic technologies, DNA sequencing advancements)
Forensic Case Studies and Application Notes
Other Forensic Science Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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