Molecular spectroscopy in forensic residue analysis: a general overview of reliability, applicability and cost...

Classification of an analytical result for forensic purposes is briefly discussed, in addition to mandatory specificity and limits of appropriate analytical methods. Direct information on the molecular structure of the analyte is in general more reliable than indirect information. Direct information is obtained from molecular spectroscopic methods, in contrasts to chromatographic or immunochemical methods, which provide only indirect information. The cost effectiveness ratio as calculated per analyte is indicated for various analytical techniques.