Most lay people do not appreciate the fact that there is a differentiation of labor in the laboratory as well as in the criminal justice community. Drug analysts identify confiscated controlled substances (illicit drugs) using scientific instruments. Toxicologists identify those same substances, as well as many other poisons, in body fluids and tissues. Serologists examine dried blood, semen, and other biological stains on clothing, weapons, and vehicles. Serologists also perform DNA testing and enter DNA profiles into the national database (CODIS/NDIS). Questioned document examiners analyze forged signatures, altered documents, and perform handwriting comparisons. Firearms examiners compare known and questioned bullets, determine firing distances, restore obliterated serial numbers, and enter information into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). Trace evidence examiners handle a wide range of microscopic materials to include paint, glass, fibers, hairs, cosmetics, adhesives, primer residues, shoeprints, wood, pollen, explosives, and soils. Arson analysts focus on identifying ignitable liquids in fire debris samples. The statistical information elsewhere on this site will give a more detailed breakdown of the types of cases each section processes. Each discipline, or laboratory section, requires special skills, but much of the work revolves around chemical instrumentation such as chromatographs and spectrometers as well as optical and electron microscopes. The analyst usually knows very little about the facts of the investigation and is merely providing an analytical service for the investigator. Each analyst prepares a written report which is returned to the investigator with the evidence. The police integrate this report with other findings of their investigation and present the information to the prosecutor's office for adjudication. The prosecutor or defense attorney can call the analyst to testify at trial if necessary. Analysts also spend time performing equipment maintenance, quality control, safety and administrative functions, reviewing scientific literature, dealing with phone and e-mail inquiries and training police. In general crime laboratories are becoming more and more reliant on advanced technology using auto samplers and robotics. Analysts are encouraged to do research as time allows, present papers at scientific meetings, and publish work in scientific journals. Some of our analysts have been requested to speak all over the United States and several foreign countries throughout the world.