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Quality assurance testing of an explosive trace analysis laboratory
A Crowson1, R W Hiley, C C Todd
1Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, Fort Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, UK.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 24, 2001
Summary
A weekly quality assurance testing regime was implemented at the Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL) to prevent explosives trace contamination. This system successfully maintained low contamination levels over eight years, ensuring reliable forensic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Laboratory Safety
Background:
- Forensic laboratories handle trace amounts of hazardous materials.
- Preventing cross-contamination is critical for accurate explosives analysis.
- Established quality assurance protocols are essential for maintaining laboratory integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the quality assurance testing regime implemented at the Forensic Explosives Laboratory (FEL).
- To prevent the accumulation of explosives traces within the laboratory environment.
- To ensure the integrity of samples and controls in explosives trace analysis.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a weekly quality assurance testing schedule.
- Regular analysis of laboratory environment for explosives traces.
- Monitoring of contamination levels over an extended period.
Main Results:
- The quality assurance regime effectively prevented significant accumulation of explosives traces.
- Low contamination levels were maintained throughout the eight-year study period.
- The system demonstrated reliability in safeguarding against sample contamination.
Conclusions:
- The established weekly testing regime is effective in maintaining a clean explosives trace analysis laboratory.
- Continuous quality assurance is vital for preventing contamination and ensuring reliable forensic results.
- Lessons learned have informed improvements in laboratory safety and analytical procedures.