The Importance of the Microscope in Hair Analysis in Criminology and Criminalistics

Abstract

Introduction: The use of the microscope in hair analysis as forensic evidence at the scene of the crime continues to be an extremely important tool. It is macroscopically impossible to identify characteristics of hair, such as the presence or absence of medulla, pigmentation, medullary canal pattern, which permit determination of which animal species the hair belongs to. By using the microscope, it is also possible to find elements which contribute to explain a criminal event, such as adherences or inclusions, which could be related to the victim or aggressor. Material and Method: In the present article, different samples of animal and human hair were analyzed by microscope, in order to observe their microscopic characteristics. Results: Differences were observed in hair elements according to animal or human origin, especially in the medullary canal and the quantity of pigment the hair element had. Conclusions: The use of the microscope allows the observation of characteristic differences between hair elements of human and animal origin; it is therefore an indispensable tool in the criminalistic investigation process.