Services

Microtrace specializes in solving problems of a non-routine nature that our client’s or their  laboratories are not equipped to handle by virtue of their equipment and/or expertise.  Our skill is derived from our experience with a wide variety of materials, our equipment which incorporates the latest microscopes and accessories, our extensive experience with classical and instrumental microchemistry and our extensive reference collections of common and exotic substances.

Over the years Microtrace and its scientists have worked for a range of clients as broad as the range of materials we encounter.  We specialize in the identification of single small particles and small amounts of unknown substances.  Furthermore, we also help our clients to interpret these results to solve their specific problems.  These lists illustrate some of the clients and materials we deal with.  Additionally, we routinely assist with document and evidence reviews when a physical analysis is not permissible.

Clients

• Criminal Forensic (prosecution, defense, independent)

  • Analysis of evidence to develop investigative leads

  • Identification of unknown samples

  • Comparison examinations involving trace evidence

  • Review of documents produced by opposing experts

  • Review of physical evidence

• Civil Forensic (establishing factual support for claims on the basis
                of physical evidence and review of opposing expert opinions)

• Patent Infringement (establishing factual support or lack of support for
                                claims)

• Industrial - Examination and sourcing of product contamination

• Industrial - Product Tampering and source deteremination

• Industrial - Research and Development Product Characterization

• Industrial - Consumer Complaint Sample Analysis

• Pharmaceutical - Particulate contamination identification

• Museums & Dealers - Antiquities, Artwork and Collectibles
                                  (authentication and analysis)

• Environmental - Particulate Identification, particle sizing

• Laboratories - Assistance in solving specific or unusual requests that
                       are outside of the normal expertise of your laboratory.

Materials

• General Unknowns

• White Powders

• Synthetic Fibers

• Natural Fibers

• Hair

• Pollen

• Dust

• Soil/Sand/Minerals/Geologic material (Geographic Sourcing/GeoSourcing)

• Wood

• Paint

• Polymers/Failure Analysis

• Corrosion Analysis

• Contaminant Analysis

• Airborne Contamination

• Pharmaceutical analysis (DEA licensed)

• Small Particles

• Pigments and Dyes

• Trace Evidence

• Drugs (legal and illicit) (DEA licensed)

• Antiquities and Collectibles

• Fire Debris Analysis (accelerant)

• Unknown liquids and residues (including oils, accelerants and explosive residues)