Forensic Laboratory

An ANAB Accredited Laboratory

Staff Contacts

Director
Shelly Steadman, Ph.D.

Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager
Robert Hansen, MSFS

Criminalistics Lab Manager
Lana Goodson

Forensic Biology/DNA Laboratory Manager
Sarah Geering, M.S.

Chief Toxicologist
Tyson Baird, Ph.D.

Information for Submitting Agencies

The Forensic Laboratories accept evidence submitted by all fire departments and law enforcement agencies within Sedgwick County, KS as well as the Sedgwick County District Coroner. Forensic Science support is also available to fire departments, law enforcement and/or coroners from surrounding counties.

The laboratory does not provide analysis for private citizens or for civil litigations.
Examinations are requested through the use of a signed Evidence Chain of Custody Document.
Evidence may be submitted at the Evidence Intake window M-F between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (closed 11:30 to 12:30).
The contributor(s) agrees to allow the Forensic Laboratories to determine, based upon existing policies, when submitted items will not be examined as requested.
The Forensic Laboratories reserve the right to approve deviations regarding the test methods utilized when appropriate and to subcontract for analysis when necessary.
Unless otherwise indicated on a laboratory report, items of evidence will be returned to the submitting agency following examination or at any time deemed appropriate by the RFSC. An exception is made for items of evidence submitted for Post-mortem Toxicology examination, which will be retained and disposed according to RFSC policy.
Activity dates are maintained as part of the case record and the date range of laboratory activities is provided to the contributor on the laboratory reports.
- Note: For reports that are not generated within LIMS, the laboratory activities are provided to the contributor on reports by including the date of case submission and the report date. The exact dates of specific laboratory activities are maintained in the case record.

LABORATORY FORMS

Laboratory Examination Request

List of Service/Services Areas

The Forensic Laboratory Division of the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center will select the most appropriate test method(s) for the examination/evaluation of the submitted evidence from the following services.

Items not Routinely Accepted for Analysis

Needles, syringes, or needles with syringes for drug analysis.
Explosives (this does not include ammunition).
DNA samples collected for the purpose of a convicted felon in possession of a firearm or any other weapon.
DNA samples collected from ammunition or drug containers.
DNA samples pertaining to kinship analyses.
Paternity testing for non-forensic purposes; and
“Single Touch” exhibits from property crimes. [Includes items such as doorknobs/handles, surfaces, pens/pencils or any other single use items that did not come into contact with body fluids].

Note: Exceptions may be made by the Director and/or his designee on a case-by-case basis.

CRIMINALISTICS

Drug Identification
- Tests Utilized
  - Spot (color) tests
  - Weight determinations
  - Macro and Microscopic evaluations
  - Chromatographic (GC, TLC)
  - Mass spectrometric (GC/MS)
  - Spectrophotometric (FTIR)
  - Marijuana / Hemp Differentiation
Fire Debris
- Tests Utilized
  - Chromatographic (GC)
  - Mass spectrometric (GC/MS)
Beverage Alcohol (open container)
- Test Utilized
  - Chromatographic (GC)
Firearms
- Tests Utilized
  - Length determinations
  - Macro and Microscopic evaluations
  - Function testing
  - Serial Number Restoration

FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY

Comprehensive postmortem studies
Drug testing in sexual assault cases
Specialized analyses: e.g., Testing on children removed from Drug Environments
Urine testing for probation and parole programs
Cases of driving under the influence (alcohol and/or drugs)
Case consultation based upon other laboratory and medical studies
Test Utilized (Toxicology)
- Colorimetric Screens
- Immunoassay: HEIA and ELISA
- Analytical Instrumentation:
  - Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
  - Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
  - Headspace Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (HS-GC/FID)
  - Gas Chromatography Nitrogen Phosphorous Detector (GC/NPD)
  - Headspace Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC/MS)
  - Ultraviolet Visible Spectroscopy (UV/Vis)

FORENSIC BIOLOGY/DNA

Detection and identification of body fluids
STR DNA profiling technology
CODIS participating laboratory
Test Utilized (Biology / DNA)
- Body fluid screening tests (blood, semen, saliva, feces)
- Physical evidence screening (ALS)
- Microscopic (sperm)
- STR-PCR
- STR profile comparisons

EVIDENCE

Guidance on proper evidence collection
Proper evidence (short-term) storage
Evidence reception and release