Tape Lift Research Articles

The Preparation of Tape Lift Samples for the Study of Subvisible and Nanoparticles

Tape lifts are commonly used as a substrate for the collection of microscopic trace evidence. While traces such as fibers, glass, and paint can generally be readily recognized by stereomicroscopy, these larger particles often represent a minor, to trace fraction of the total particulate load on a given lift. In contrast, smaller particles (broadly categorized as dust), which are frequently the dominant component on the tape, are less commonly exploited as forensic evidence. These particles, which for the purposes of this article, may range in size from hundreds of micrometers down to nanometers (i.e., subvisible) are difficult, or sometimes impossible to see, much less characterize, by stereomicroscopy. Such particles also present challenges to isolate, manipulate, and analyze. In addition, when collected on tape lifts, as is the case in many forensic examinations, such particles become trapped in an adhesive matrix, further complicating attempts to isolate all but the largest particles for subsequent analyses.

Evaluation of 20 CODIS Core STR Loci For Touch DNA Analysis

The DNA profile is a combination of STR alleles loci as a result of template DNA amplification. The FBI has defined 20 core STR loci for human identification in forensic cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the twenty CODIS core STR loci to be a reference in DNA touch examination. Nine donors with three shedder statuses, high, intermediate, and low, were holding the sample while tying two types of ropes, porous and non-porous. The touch sample is then sampled using two techniques on each rope: double swab and tape lift. DNA was extracted and quantified by real-time PCR technique to determine the concentration of DNA obtained from each treatment. Twenty-four STR loci of the DNA were amplified, and the fragments were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Two PCR cycles were chosen to determine the effect of adding cycles on the concentration of DNA that was not successfully amplified. The results of this study indicate that the quantity of touch DNA has a greater influence on the success rate of STR amplification. Each allele on 20 STR CODIS Loci failed to amplify from touch DNA concentration below 0.0625 ng/µl. It is shown that the longer the target allele at each locus, the easier it is for allelic drop-out to occur. However, the optimal STR locus length for DNA testing is under 200 nucleotides.

Scotch® Magic Tape™ and the Analysis of Settled Dust

An environmental “sticky” tape lift contains hundreds to tens of thousands of individual particles. Each particle is unique, and its optical properties indicate the particle’s identity and history. Environmental particles are not isolated and by association occur with other particles, which may provide information on the source of an individual particle. The physical placement of particles on a surface carries information about the individual particles as well as the microenvironment associated with the surface at that location. Sampling is a destructive process because information is lost no matter how the surface is sampled. Therefore, the chosen sampling procedure must retain the data required for the analysis. Tape lifts can retain data on particle concentrations, particle identification, particle sources, transport mechanisms active at the sample location, and more. The type and quality of tape, how it is processed, and how it is analyzed will affect the extent to which the environment has been characterized. 3M Scotch® Magic™ Tape (Magic Tape) and the light microscope have been used to make tape lifts by the author since 1970 for characterizing environments. The advantages and disadvantages of using this sampling method are briefly discussed.

Experiences in successive forensic analysis of GSR and DNA traces collected on a single tape lift stub.

Gunshot residue (GSR) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses are used in the reconstruction of shooting incidents involving firearms. In both fields, adhesive tapes are commonly applied to recover traces. Using a simultaneous sampling approach for retrieving both types of traces from objects related to a shooting can be powerful. We present the results for DNA testing and GSR analysis using "DNA stubs" to recover both types of traces in one sampling. The analyses are successive: stubs are first examined with scanning electron microscopy for the presence of GSR and next subjected to DNA extraction and short tandem repeat (STR) typing. The results show no negative effect on the DNA and GSR results. The risk of DNA contamination during GSR analysis is addressed, showing that it is negligible. Our experiences in casework show that the approach can be successfully implemented.

Mould Surface Sampling Techniques and Collection Efficiency on Paper-Faced Gypsum Board

Surface sampling techniques for non-viable fungi in building environments are useful tools for investigators in determining hazards to occupants. However, data regarding capture efficiency in this context is limited. Our data demonstrates that collection efficiency of Bio-Tape surface capture medium on paper-faced gypsum board only captures between half and three-quarters of mould present on the surface. Surface sampling using a dry-swab technique showed similar efficiency of capture to tape lift samples. ‘Surface air’ samples had poor collection efficiency and should be avoided where possible in preference to other sampling options. Finally, we propose a sampling strategy based on non-viable microscopy techniques followed by molecular analysis for validation and speciation of samples of interest. Improvements in sampling and data analysis techniques for mould sampling of buildings will aid in providing meaningful results to help building inspectors evaluate health hazards.

Faster Evaluation of Contaminated Surfaces for Mould Inspections by Tape Sampling

Taking a tape-lift sample is one of the main practices used by indoor environmental quality investigators for detecting whether mould structures (for example, spores and hyphae) have either settled onto or colonized the surface. Despite the popularity of the method, there can be significant inconsistency in how tape lifts are collected and evaluated. The common ASTM standard D7910-14: Practice for the Collection of Fungal Material from Surfaces by Tape Lift, describes the correct way to collect a tape-lift sample. Using ASTM D7658-17: Standard Test Method for Direct Microscopy of Fungal Structures from Tape, semi-quantitative results in percentage of infested area in a scale from 0 up to 5 are available only. In case histories or for mould removal control, the total cell count is needed. This cannot be realized by the ASTM method. Therefore, an innovative method is asked to combine the quickness of taping and the precision of total cell count. Our research team developed two methods to quickly and fully quantify the tape samples. Regarding the assessment criteria, the user can decide to operate with the 3-LINE method to achieve the highest precision or use the faster 3-STEP method for even better results. Therefore, an innovative method is asked to combine the quickness of taping and the precision of total cell count. The aim of the work is to develop two strategies to quickly and comprehensive quantify the tape samples.

The application of tape lifting for microplastic pollution monitoring

Microplastics (MPs) are man-made polymer particles in the size range 1 μm to 5 mm. They have been proven to be present in all of Earth's environments through extensive global studies. Such studies regularly involve the isolation of MPs from water or other media using a filtration method. MPs are then commonly analysed for size and polymer type, either in situ on the filter or after removal from it by hand picking. These approaches provide the opportunity for the accidental loss of such particles and do nothing to protect the sample from contamination, whilst hand-picking from filter papers is also time consuming. The analysis frequently focusses solely on one technique and rarely facilitates the full characterisation of the MPs.This paper sets out a workflow that addresses these shortcomings. Tape lifting (a forensic approach to particulate recovery) is at the heart of this workflow. This technique uses self-adhesive tape to recover particles of interest and results in a tape lift in which those particles are held between the tape and a sheet of suitable material. In the proposed workflow, the tape is EasyliftⓇ and the sheet is glass. Tape lifting offers significant time saving in the field, allowing more samples to be taken. It also creates a secure environment for the particles of interest and facilitates reproducible research by preserving samples for future study.To investigate the recovery rate of MPs from filter papers using EasyliftⓇ, a simulation experiment was conducted, which tested glass fibre and cellulose fibre filter papers and ceramic and glass-frit Büchner funnels. It found that the rate of recovery of MPs from filters onto the tape had a mean of 96.4% (sn-1 = 3.5 percentage points, n = 12) with evidence that both filter type and funnel type effect that rate and that there is an interaction effect between these factors. In addition, the recovery rate from water onto the filter papers was investigated; this had a mean of 92.1% (sn-1 = 4.1 percentage points, n = 12) with no evidence that the filter type or funnel type used influenced that rate.This paper also explores EasyliftⓇ’s attributes that facilitate the proposed workflow by enabling analysis of MPs whilst they are held within the tape lift. EasyliftⓇ is compatible with a wide range of non-destructive analytical techniques including polarized light microscopy (PLM), confocal Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, microspectrophotometry (MSP) and hyperspectral microscopy, and this compatibility is explored in this paper. The compatibility with these techniques allows samples to be fully characterised for their morphological, optical and chemical properties, providing further information about the samples that can aid future studies that investigate source identification and the detection of MP features that may affect ecotoxicological effects.

The Effect of Time and Temperature on the Persistence and Quality of Latent Fingerprints Recovered from 60-Watt Incandescent Light Bulbs.

To understand how time and temperature could affect latent fingerprints, wooden pallets were used to construct five units that each housed ten 60-watt incandescent light bulbs. Fingerprints were deposited on the top, middle, and base of the globes. The bulbs were powered on (except the control bulb in each unit) for 18, 48, 72, 120, 168, 336, 504, and 672h. Fingerprints recovered from the bulbs by tape lift after black powder processing were given a quality score. A thermal imaging camera determined temperatures on three areas of the bulbs. Fingerprints on the top of the globe (156.3°C) had the lowest quality score, and fingerprints on the middle of the globe (112.6°C) had the highest quality score. The mean quality scores of the three temperature classes were within one standard deviation of one another, meaning there is no way to estimate fingerprint age based on its quality after heat exposure.

Comment on fungal tape lift reporting frameworks

Comment on fungal tape lift reporting frameworks

Tape Lift Sampling of Chemical Threat Agents.

Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) materials were evaluated as surface samplers for the Department of Homeland Security Chemical Forensics Program. The program helps evidence collectors identify trace chemical residues at incident scenes. COTS items are widely available, produced in large lots, and with strict controls. Chemical attribution signatures were collected from common surfaces. Eight tape lift candidates were considered, five were chosen based on performance and tested for analytical interferences and extraction efficiencies with 14 chemicals. Three products (duct tape, print lifters, command strips) were evaluated for uptake from common interior surfaces (glass, tile, ABS plastic). Duct tape provided highest recoveries across all surfaces. Even the most volatile analytes were detected in the ABS plastic samples (nondetections in others), regardless of tape lift material used. The porous plastic substrate provides better target retention than glass and tile surfaces. Forensic field operators should sample surfaces made of ABS plastic (keyboards, remotes, phones, etc.) whenever possible.

The Effect of Skin Debris on Gunshot Residue Sampling and Detection.

These experiments were designed to determine whether skin debris (desquamated epithelial cells and apparent skin oils) affects gunshot residue (GSR) particle detection on the sticky tape lift samples prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A dabbing experiment showed that GSR particles accumulate not only on the adhesive surface of the sampler, but also on the epithelial cell surfaces. Samplers were loaded with target GSR followed by dabbing 30 times on the back of a hand. Backscatter electron images were taken at 20kV and for some at 30kV of the same areas. The samplers were then treated with a sodium/calcium hypochlorite solution (bleach) to remove skin debris and again imaged in the SEM. Comparison of these images shows more GSR particles will likely be revealed at 30kV than 20kV and more particles revealed by the bleach treatment in an automated SEM system.

Characterization of organic gunshot residues in lead-free ammunition using a new sample collection device for liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The identification of characteristic organic gunshot residues (OGSR) provides conclusive evidence in the elucidation of elemental profiles when lead-free ammunition is fired. OGSR also prevents false negatives. Toward this aim, a quick and efficient method based on liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF) was developed to detect and identify 18 gunpowder additives in gunshot residues (GSR). The unequivocal identification of target analytes was assured by using MS/MS mode. Swabs were compared with home-modified tape lift supports covered with a PTFE layer to determine the better sampling technique. The modified tape lift provided better extraction recoveries and enabled the analysis of inorganic and organic GSR simultaneously. The developed method was applied to the analysis of GSR from four different lead-free ammunitions. Diphenylamine and its nitrated degradation products and centralites were identified in all samples, providing strong evidence of GSR.

Analysis of trace fibers by IR-MALDESI imaging coupled with high resolving power MS.

Trace evidence is a significant portion of forensic cases. Textile fibers are a common form of trace evidence that are gaining importance in criminal cases. Currently, qualitative techniques that do not yield structural information are primarily used for fiber analysis, but mass spectrometry is gaining an increasing role in this field. Mass spectrometry yields more quantitative structural information about the dye and polymer that can be used for more conclusive comparisons. Matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (MALDESI) is a hybrid ambient ionization source being investigated for use in mass spectrometric fiber analysis. In this manuscript, IR-MALDESI was used as a source for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of a dyed nylon fiber cluster and single fiber. Information about the fiber polymer as well as the dye were obtained from a single fiber which was on the order of 10μm in diameter. These experiments were performed directly from the surface of a tape lift of the fiber with a background of extraneous fibers.

Munition related metals - Combined toxicity of Antimony, Copper, and Lead

The identification of characteristic organic gunshot residues (OGSR) provides conclusive evidence in the elucidation of elemental profiles when lead-free ammunition is fired. OGSR also prevents false negatives. Toward this aim, a quick and efficient method based on liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF) was developed to detect and identify 18 gunpowder additives in gunshot residues (GSR). The unequivocal identification of target analytes was assured by using MS/MS mode. Swabs were compared with home-modified tape lift supports covered with a PTFE layer to determine the better sampling technique. The modified tape lift provided better extraction recoveries and enabled the analysis of inorganic and organic GSR simultaneously. The developed method was applied to the analysis of GSR from four different lead-free ammunitions. Diphenylamine and its nitrated degradation products and centralites were identified in all samples, providing strong evidence of GSR.

Collection and detection of latent fingermarks contaminated with cosmetics on nonporous and porous surfaces

AbstractAttenuated total reflection (ATR)‐Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging combined with a gelatine tape lift method was applied to fingermarks contaminated with various types of cosmetic residues and drugs. This approach allowed not only the imaging of partial fingermarks but also demonstrated the advantage of this chemical imaging methodology in being able to detect heterogeneously distributed localized compounds after surfaces contaminated with various types of cosmetics or drug residues had been handled. This is the first time that the detection of cosmetics in fingermarks deposited on nonporous and porous surfaces has been performed. These results show a potential extension of the applicability of ATR‐FTIR imaging to forensic science. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nitrocellulose as a General Tool for Fungal Slide Mounts

The microscopic examination of fungi is conventionally carried out by wet mount staining using lactophenol cotton blue, in combination with different modes of sample preparation: the use of mounting needles, the “adhesive tape lift,” and various agar block techniques are well documented in the

Combining the Tape-Lift Method and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging for Forensic Applications

Conventional Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and microscopy have been widely used in forensic science. New opportunities exist to obtain chemical images and to enhance the spatial resolution using attenuated total reflection (ATR) FT-IR spectroscopy coupled with a focal-plane array (FPA) detector. In this paper, the sensitivity limits of FT-IR imaging using three different ATR crystals (Ge, ZnSe, and diamond) in three different optical arrangements for the detection of model particles is discussed. Model systems of ibuprofen and paracetamol particles having sizes below 32 mum were studied. The collection of drug particles was achieved with the aid of two different tapes: common adhesive tape and a film of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The surface of the film with collected particles was measured directly via ATR-FT-IR imaging. Since the removal of tape from porous surfaces can be difficult, the application of micro ATR-FT-IR imaging directly to the surface of a newspaper contaminated with particles of model drugs is also discussed. In order to assess the feasibility of the chosen method in a forensic case study, the detection of diacetylmorphine hydrochloride traces in PDMS matrix and the finger surface is investigated. The scenarios considered were that of the detection of evidence collected at a crime scene with the tape lift method and the analysis of the finger of an individual after drug handling. The results show broad implications in the detection of drugs of abuse.

Controlled Study of Mold Growth and Cleaning Procedure on Treated and Untreated Wet Gypsum Wallboard in an Indoor Environment

The basis for some common gypsum wallboard mold remediation practices was examined. The bottom inch of several gypsum wallboard panels was immersed in bottled drinking water; some panels were coated and others were untreated. The panels were examined and tested for a period of 8 weeks. This study investigated: (a) whether mold growth, detectable visually or with tape lift samples, occurs within 1 week on wet gypsum wallboard; (b) the types, timing, and extent of mold growth on wet gypsum wallboard; (c) whether mold growth is present on gypsum wallboard surfaces 6 inches from visible mold growth; (d) whether some commonly used surface treatments affect the timing of occurrence and rate of mold growth; and (e) if moldy but dried gypsum wallboard can be cleaned with simple methods and then sealed with common surface treatments so that residual mold particles are undetectable with typical surface sampling techniques. Mold growth was not detected visually or with tape lift samples after 1 week on any of the wallboard panels, regardless of treatment, well beyond the 24–48 hours often mentioned as the incubation period. Growth was detected at 2 weeks on untreated gypsum. Penicillium, Cladosporium, and Acremonium were early colonizers of untreated panels. Aspergillus, Epicoccum, Alternaria, and Ulocladium appeared later. Stachybotrys was not found. Mold growth was not detected more than 6 inches beyond the margin of visible mold growth, suggesting that recommendations to remove gypsum wallboard more than 1 foot beyond visible mold are excessive. The surface treatments resulted in delayed mold growth and reduced the area of mold growth compared with untreated gypsum wallboard. Results showed that simple cleaning of moldy gypsum wallboard was possible to the extent that mold particles beyond “normal trapping” were not found on tape lift samples. Thus, cleaning is an option in some situations where removal is not feasible or desirable. In cases where conditions are not similar to those of this study, or where large areas may be affected, a sample area could be cleaned and tested to verify that the cleaning technique is sufficient to reduce levels to background or normal trapping. These results are generally in agreement with laboratory studies of mold growth on, and cleaning of, gypsum wallboard.

A Comparison of Three Techniques Developed for Sampling and Analysis of Gunshot Residue by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDX)

Abstract Three gunshot residue (GSR) collection methods from hand samples by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) were compared: the tape lift, glue lift, and concentration techniques. Efficiency of particle collection was examined based on the number of rounds fired, the temperature, and the shelf life. The tape lift surface demonstrated excellent particle collection ability, and it remained stable for all conditions tested. Glue lift was less efficient under all conditions tested. Collection followed by concentration gave highly variable results. A table of advantages and disadvantages of each technique was developed.

Automated Gunshot Residue Particle Search and Characterization

The main disadvantage to gunshot residue (GSR) particle analysis utilizing scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) instrumentation has been the excessive operator time required for search and identification. This study uses an automated particle search and characterization program for unattended GSR search and identification. This system allows for automatic matrix search, particle sizing, chemical typing, and spectral aquisition with subsequent storage of data to disk for later operator review and verification. This work describes various aspects of the program, determines appropriate parameters adequate for both unique and characteristic GSR particle identification, and evaluates the reliability of data obtained. Samples are collected via the tape lift method from test-firings of .38, .32, .25, and .22 caliber handguns at time after firing intervals of 0 to 6 h. Unique GSR particles are consistently and correctly identified by this method on tape lift samples taken up to 4 h after firing. False positive results of unique GSR particles are not encountered on control handblank samples. This technique appears to provide the forensic science community with an operator-free method of reliable GSR particle search and an improved analyst-time-per-case ratio.