The simple case for reporting of Uncertainty Measurement in measures in the Courtroom

The simple case for reporting of Uncertainty Measurement in measures in the Courtroom

On March 10, 2011, in Metrology, by Justin J. McShane

This post is inspired by a combination of two events. First a comment by opposing counsel, and second several comments by several “old school” forensic science practitioners at this year’s American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) annual meeting that I attended. In a contested hearing opposing counsel argued that there was “no such thing as […]

What is the difference between HS-GC-FID and GC-MS?

What is the difference between HS-GC-FID and GC-MS?

On March 8, 2011, in Chemistry, Equipment, GC-FID & GC/MS, by Justin J. McShane

First let’s remove the short hand and really write out what we are doing typically. For blood analysis for EtOH, its proper technical name is Isothermal Static Headspace Gas Chromatography using Wall Coated Open Tubular Capillary Columns with Flame Ionization Detector. We just short name it to HS-GC-FID. The technique is made up of distinct […]

The Week 36 Forensic Science Geek of the Week Challenge

The Week 36 Forensic Science Geek of the Week Challenge

On March 6, 2011, in www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek of the Week, by Justin J. McShane

Our good friend, Ron Moore, Esquire writes us “I actually had a client researching lawyers who looked at the Truth About Forensic Science geek of the week posts and liked my answers. It made a difference in who he decided to hire. Thanks!” So, there is a lot of value in www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek […]

Drugs of Abuse (DOA) analysis performed today in the US

Drugs of Abuse (DOA) analysis performed today in the US

On March 3, 2011, in Equipment, Identification, Solid Drug Dose, by Justin J. McShane

Figure 1 above: Statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) details drug use across the 50 states based on the 2006 and 2007 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, which involved interviews with over 135,000 people around the country. (For more on the statistical breakdown of geography of non-prescription or […]

Week 28 Forensic Science Geek of the Week announced!

Week 28 Forensic Science Geek of the Week announced!

On March 1, 2011, in www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek of the Week, by Justin J. McShane

The Forensic Science Geek of the Week The week 28 “www.TheTruthAboutForensicScience.com Forensic Science Geek of the Week” honors goes to: RON MOORE Ron Moore, Esquire-Forensic Science Geek of the Week As frequent viewers of this blog site will know, Ron Moore is a frequent winner of this weekly competition. He is a unique lawyer in […]

Fool’s Gold or Real Gold? HS-GC-FID is it specific or selective or neither?

Fool’s Gold or Real Gold? HS-GC-FID is it specific or selective or neither?

On March 1, 2011, in Chemistry, Equipment, GC-FID & GC/MS, Laboratory Procedure, by Justin J. McShane

So many times, Headspace Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (HS-GC-FID) is described by government expert witnesses as the “gold standard” in forensics. This trite phrase is very misleading. HS-GC-FID analysis is a very good technique when compared to other assays, but it is not infallible and it is not even the best chromatographic method available […]