The proposed standard will aim to help forensic practitioners preserve evidence integrity through proper collection and storage methods.

Jul 30, 2025

A new standard being developed by ASTM International’s forensic sciences committee (E30) aims to provide comprehensive guidance for the collection and preservation of trace evidence in laboratory settings.

The proposed standard (WK89493) is being developed by the committee’s trace subcommittee (E30.15). It offers best practices for forensic science practitioners (FSPs) to detect, collect, and store trace evidence while minimizing contamination, loss, or damage.

“The proposed standard will provide guidance to FSPs on how to detect, collect, and preserve trace evidence in the laboratory,” says ASTM member Katherine Igowsky, president and forensic expert at Trace and Impression Forensic Services. “It will help protect the integrity of the evidence by outlining techniques that minimize contamination, prevent loss or damage, and ensure proper storage.” 

The forensic sciences committee, established in 1970, currently includes 333 members and has jurisdiction over 75 published standards, available in Volume 14.02 of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. The committee is organized into five technical subcommittees, each responsible for standards development in specific areas of forensic science.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

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