Crime Lab | Forensic Magazine

Toxicology

Cracking Bath Salt Composition
This article will provide examples of the use of Direct Deposition GC-FTIR technology in the forensics environment, including demonstration of the Direct Deposition GC-FTIR instrument’s ability to deal with large volumes of samples, while highlighting the specificity of the technology by differentiating typical street drug isomers.
Seized Drug Analysis Using FT-IR and Mixture Searching For More Effective Identification
Modern FT-IR systems provide rapid analysis of samples with very little effort, putting the technique on par with the dilute and shoot simplicity of the GC/MS.
How To Extrapolate Alcohol With Certainty
The courts have recently decided that single numerical values for blood and breath test results without a measure of uncertainty are inadmissible as they preclude objective interpretation.

Automation

Observation of a Validation
The Full-Scale Implementation of Automation in a Small Casework Laboratory
Automated SEM/EDS Analysis and Classification of Forensic Samples
New generation SEMs incorporate computer automation and detector technology that allows for rapid elemental analyses of small particles. Already the gold standard for GSR analysis, the technique is being evaluated for forensic soil comparisons.
Validation of Automated Systems For The DNA Laboratory: Perspectives From Experienced Users
Although every validation is different, the advice and experiences of others can help you develop your own validation plan.

Health & Safety

Protecting Workers Pays Off: Part 2
The first part of this article discussed the grim statistics for worker illnesses, injuries, and deaths in American workplaces. This second, and final, installment picks up that theme and presents the rest of the story in favor of protecting workers.
Protecting Workers Pays Off: Part 1
With the new OSHA administration and potential new legislation, taking the risk of non-compliance could prove very costly and a bad business decision.
Avoid IEQ Pitfalls
The following recommendations have been culled from years of dealing with IEQ complaints. Often the fix is very simple and costs almost nothing.

Equipment & Technology

Cracking Bath Salt Composition
This article will provide examples of the use of Direct Deposition GC-FTIR technology in the forensics environment, including demonstration of the Direct Deposition GC-FTIR instrument’s ability to deal with large volumes of samples, while highlighting the specificity of the technology by differentiating typical street drug isomers.
GSR: How Do You Know You're Right?
Using integrated SEM-EDX technology to provide automatic, rapid, and validated results.
DNA Identification of the Missing After the WTC Attacks: A Cooperative Public/Private Effort
Although DNA had played a significant role in the identification of victims of other mass fatality events, the WTC DNA identification effort created unprecedented challenges. These challenges were met by public/private partnerships that enhanced and created new technology to meet the needs of this human tragedy.

Facility Design

Leasing Laboratory Space
This article will discuss some of the pros and cons of leasing laboratory space and will ask some questions which can help you determine if it will work for you.
Seven Days in Morocco
We were asked to evaluate a proposed forensic laboratory site in Morocco, develop a program for the agency, test-fit the program into the building’s floor plans, and make a recommendation as to the potential use of the proposed building as a crime lab.
Working Internationally Case Study: Lagos, Nigeria Forensic Complex
We were asked to prepare a facility needs assessment for Lagos, Nigeria as part of the country’s focused effort to improve the use of forensic science to support law enforcement, criminal investigation, and the judicial system of Lagos State.