The Science of Trace Evidence

For over 25 years, clients around the world have put their trust in our skill and discretion to solve their most delicate problems.
Microtrace is a materials analysis laboratory, specializing in the characterization and identification of small quantities and single small particles of unknown substances, using a combination of state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques based on microscopy and microchemistry. Our analytical approach is sample driven, which allows us to provide solutions to problems outside or beyond the scope of typical in-house, commercial or forensic laboratories. Since 1992, we have provided analytical support in criminal and civil litigation, to the insurance, pharmaceutical, food, environmental and manufacturing industries, as well as clients in art, collectibles, and antiquities.

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Microtrace Celebrates our 33rd Anniversary!

Microtrace Celebrates our 33rd Anniversary on November 6th, 2025! Read More

Museum of Science and Industry Exhibit Features Artwork Created at Microtrace

Microtrace provided radiography expertise and equipment to support a new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Read More

Skip Palenik Receives the Raymond Murray Award

Skip Palenik was recently awarded the Raymond Murray Award for "distinguished contribution to forensic geology." Read More

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Recent Publications

Microtrace at SciX 2025: Detective Microscopy with Christopher Palenik

Christopher Palenik, Ph.D. will present “Detective Microscopy: the science of analyzing an unknown sample” at SciX 2025. Read More

Skip Palenik and Ethan Groves Lead MAFS Workshop to Explore “Forensic Microscopy of Soils”

On Monday, 25 August 2025, Skip Palenik and Ethan Groves presented a workshop at the MAFS Annual Fall Meeting. Read More

Inter/Micro 2025

Next week, eight microscopists from Microtrace will present at Inter/Micro 2025. Read More

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