1.1 This standard covers guidelines for microscopical examinations employed in forensic fiber classification, identification, and comparison. The microscopical examination of fibers includes the use of a variety of light microscopes, such as stereomicroscopes, compound microscopes, and comparison microscopes, as well as a variety of illumination types, such as bright field, polarized light, fluorescence, and interference. In certain instances, the scanning electron microscope can yield additional information. The particular test(s) or techniques employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend upon available equipment, examiner training, and the nature and extent of the fiber evidence.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E2228-23a Referenced Document
ASTM D123 Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles*, 2023-09-14 Update
ASTM D276 Standard Test Methods for Identification of Fibers in Textiles*, 2024-04-21 Update
ASTM E1459 Standard Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
ASTM E1492 Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
ASTM E2917 Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs*, 2024-02-01 Update
ASTM E620 Standard Practice for Reporting Opinions of Technical Experts
ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories [Standard in French]
ASTM E2228-23a history
2023ASTM E2228-23a Standard Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
2023ASTM E2228-23 Standard Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
2022ASTM E2228-22a Standard Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
2022ASTM E2228-22 Standard Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
2019ASTM E2228-19 Standard Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
2018ASTM E2228-18 Standard Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
2010ASTM E2228-10 Standard Guide for Microscopic Examination of Textile Fibers
2002ASTM E2228-02 Standard Guide for Microscopic Examination of Textile Fibers