What are two accepted methods of collecting fibers and hairs?

• A. Tape lifting and forensic vacuum
• B. Lifting prints
• C. Vacuum only
• D. Tape and brushes

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how fibers and hairs are reliably collected at a scene to preserve their appearance and avoid contamination. Tape lifting and forensic vacuum are the two accepted methods because they complement each other and cover different types of surfaces.

Tape lifting uses an adhesive tape pressed onto a surface to pick up loose fibers and hairs without grinding or distorting them. When the tape is lifted, the fibers/hairs adhere in their original arrangement, making it easier to see color, length, and alignment under a microscope. The tape can then be placed onto a clean card or slide for laboratory analysis, preserving the sample for later comparison or testing.

Forensic vacuum employs a specialized vacuum device with a precise nozzle and filtration system to collect fibers and hairs from larger or more embedded areas, such as fabric piles, carpets, or upholstery. The vacuum pulls particles into a filter or capture card, reducing the risk of dispersing evidence and helping recover trace quantities that tape might miss. Together, these methods maximize what can be recovered from a scene while maintaining the integrity of the evidence.

Lifting prints is about fingerprints, not fibers/hairs, so it doesn’t address the material in question. Using vacuum only lacks the controlled capture and preservation that tape provides, and relying on tape with brushes isn’t as standardized or reliable for maintaining sample integrity as the combination above.