Forensic Science Service

About: Forensic Science Service is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & DNA profiling. The organization has 573 authors who have published 599 publications receiving 27149 citations.

Comparison of Drug Retention Indices Determined on Packed, Wide Bore Capillary and Narrow Bore Capillary Columns

Abstract: The retention indices of 75 drugs and other compounds of toxicological significance have been measured on SE-30 equivalent, chemically bonded, fused silica capillary columns under isothermal conditions. The data have been assessed to determine the validity of using retention indices measured on packed columns for the identification of compounds eluting from narrow bore thin film or wide bore thick film capillary columns. The results indicate that the extensive retention index data bases published for SE-30 packed columns may be used for the preliminary identification of peaks eluting from capillary columns in toxicological screening. The study also indicates that retention index data bases generated on narrow bore capillary columns are applicable to wide bore thick film capillary columns.

Heroin is More Than Just Diamorphine

Abstract: Heroin isn't just heroin anymore. Over the last two decades, there has been diversification in the forms and ‘brands’ of heroin which exist in both the domestic as well as international marketplaces. Closer examination reveals important differences between these ‘brands’. Black market heroin may now be obtained in either the form of salt (hydrochloride) or the separated base. Importantly, the different forms have different suitabilities for use by injection or by ‘chasing the dragon’, with the salt form being most suitable for injecting, whilst many of the base forms are either used by ‘chasing’ or are chemically transformed to the salt before injection. Country of origin and obvious physical characteristics such as colour are strong predictors of ‘salt’ or ‘base’ status. When consideration is given to the more recent technique of chasing the dragon, a new interpretation can be attached to some of the other drugs found in samples of black market heroin (often described as ‘impurities’). New data have iden...

Attribution of DNA profiles to body fluid stains

Abstract: Ultra-sensitive DNA profiling techniques, which now enable a profile to be obtained from a single cell, are greatly advantageous to the forensic community where biological material is often limited. However, it is not always possible to infer the cellular origin of any resulting profile. Here, we assess the likelihood of generating a DNA profile by the standard processing of visible stains that originates from extraneous cells on the substrate rather than the body fluid. Stain size and quality, substrate material and an individual's propensity to deposit DNA were all proven to be significant factors. It was demonstrated that an association between DNA profile and body fluid is not implicit, even where a positive presumptive test is obtained.

Considerations on the ASTM Standards 1789-04 and 1422-05 on the Forensic Examination of Ink

Abstract: The ASTM standards on Writing Ink Identification (ASTM 1789-04) and on Writing Ink Comparison (ASTM 1422-05) are the most up-to-date guidelines that have been published on the forensic analysis of ink. The aim of these documents is to cover most aspects of the forensic analysis of ink evidence, from the analysis of ink samples, the comparison of the analytical profile of these samples (with the aim to differentiate them or not), through to the interpretation of the result of the examination of these samples in a forensic context. Significant evolutions in the technology available to forensic scientists, in the quality assurance requirements brought onto them, and in the understanding of frameworks to interpret forensic evidence have been made in recent years. This article reviews the two standards in the light of these evolutions and proposes some practical improvements in terms of the standardization of the analyses, the comparison of ink samples, and the interpretation of ink examination. Some of these suggestions have already been included in a DHS funded project aimed at creating a digital ink library for the United States Secret Service.