Microscopic Examination of Hairs

James Robertson; Elizabeth Brooks

doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-823677-2.00030-1

Microscopic Examination of Hairs

James Robertson, Elizabeth Brooks

Science

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in Book › Entry for encyclopedia/dictionary › peer-review

Abstract

Hairs are routinely encountered in forensic investigations. Microscopy remains central to the examination of hairs. This article explains how low power (stereo) microscopic (LPM) examinations is applied as part of a four-stage examination protocol to separate hairs of animal and human origin. Selection of hairs suitable for DNA testing is an important function of LPM. The article then covers the features that can be assessed with LPM and with transmitted light microscopy (TLM) viewing hairs as a package of information. The importance of mountants is explained. The use of checklists is encouraged to ensure thorough and systematic examinations. Animal hair microscopy is a specialist discipline that requires additional training and expertize to the examination of human hairs.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences
Subtitle of host publication	Volume 1-4, Third Edition
Editors	Max M Houck
Publisher	Elsevier
Pages	563-579
Number of pages	17
Volume	3
ISBN (Electronic)	9780128236789
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823677-2.00030-1
Publication status	Published - 2023

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10.1016/B978-0-12-823677-2.00030-1

Cite this

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title = "Microscopic Examination of Hairs",

abstract = "Hairs are routinely encountered in forensic investigations. Microscopy remains central to the examination of hairs. This article explains how low power (stereo) microscopic (LPM) examinations is applied as part of a four-stage examination protocol to separate hairs of animal and human origin. Selection of hairs suitable for DNA testing is an important function of LPM. The article then covers the features that can be assessed with LPM and with transmitted light microscopy (TLM) viewing hairs as a package of information. The importance of mountants is explained. The use of checklists is encouraged to ensure thorough and systematic examinations. Animal hair microscopy is a specialist discipline that requires additional training and expertize to the examination of human hairs.",

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AB - Hairs are routinely encountered in forensic investigations. Microscopy remains central to the examination of hairs. This article explains how low power (stereo) microscopic (LPM) examinations is applied as part of a four-stage examination protocol to separate hairs of animal and human origin. Selection of hairs suitable for DNA testing is an important function of LPM. The article then covers the features that can be assessed with LPM and with transmitted light microscopy (TLM) viewing hairs as a package of information. The importance of mountants is explained. The use of checklists is encouraged to ensure thorough and systematic examinations. Animal hair microscopy is a specialist discipline that requires additional training and expertize to the examination of human hairs.

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KW - Comparison microscopy

KW - Cortex

KW - Cortical fusi

KW - Cuticle

KW - Human hairs

KW - Low power microscopy

KW - Medulla

KW - Mountants

KW - Ovoid bodies

KW - Pigmentation

KW - Root growth types

KW - Scale cast

KW - Transmitted light microscopy

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ER -

Microscopic Examination of Hairs

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