The proposed guide will cover the collection, examination, and evaluation of fibers encountered in forensic casework.
Jun 24, 2025
ASTM International is developing a proposed standard (WK78747) that will provide a consistent approach to fiber analysis among forensic practitioners and researchers.
WK78747 is being developed by the trace subcommittee (E30.15), part of ASTM’s forensic sciences committee (E30).
According to ASTM member Jennifer Remy, the standard is intended for use by forensic scientists and researchers looking to compare fibers to determine how similar they are and whether they could have come from the same source.
The standard provides a detailed description of the forensic fiber examination processes and points to other standards focused on specific techniques potentially used to analyze and compare evidentiary fibers.
“The proposed guide for forensic examination of fibers covers the collection, examination, and evaluation of natural and manufactured fibers encountered in forensic casework,” says Remy, member of the trace materials subcommittee of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC). “It is intended to assist forensic scientists and researchers who conduct fiber analyses on the methods that can be of value to their examinations and how to evaluate the results.”
This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #12 on responsible consumption and production.
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.
September / October 2025
