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ASTM E3255-21

(Practice)

Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis

Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 These are minimum standards of quality assurance applicable to forensic science service providers performing forensic chemical analysis on evidence.  
4.2 This practice is to be used by forensic science practitioners performing chemical analysis on evidence and reinforced by forensic science service provider management.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice discusses procedures for quality assurance of forensic science service providers performing forensic chemical analysis. This practice provides a framework of quality in the processing of evidence, including: maintaining a quality management system; personnel duties, qualifications, training, and education; facility considerations; evidence handling; analytical procedures; instrument and equipment performance; chemicals and reagents; casework documentation and reporting; proficiency and competency testing; method validation and verification; audits; deficiency of analysis; and documentation requirements. Annex A1 – Annex A3 provide additional procedures that are discipline-specific.  
1.2 This practice cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917), and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Dec-2020
ICS
07.140 - Forensic science
Technical Committee
E30 - Forensic Sciences
Drafting Committee
E30.11 - Interdisciplinary Forensic Science Standards
Current Stage
Ref Project

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Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3255 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers
1
Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3255; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Tech-
nical Experts
1.1 This practice discusses procedures for quality assurance
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
of forensic science service providers performing forensic
Documentation
chemical analysis. This practice provides a framework of
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
quality in the processing of evidence, including: maintaining a
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
quality management system; personnel duties, qualifications,
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
training, and education; facility considerations; evidence han-
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
dling; analytical procedures; instrument and equipment perfor-
Continuing Education, and Professional Development
mance; chemicals and reagents; casework documentation and
Programs
reporting; proficiency and competency testing; method valida-
3
tion and verification; audits; deficiency of analysis; and docu- 2.2 ISO Standards:
mentation requirements. Annex A1 – Annex A3 provide ISO Guide 30 Reference materials — Selected terms and
additional procedures that are discipline-specific. definitions
ISO 17034 General requirements for the competence of
1.2 This practice cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abili-
reference material producers
ties acquired through appropriate education, training, and
ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity assessment – Requirements for
experience (see Practice E2917), and is to be used in conjunc-
the operation of various types of bodies performing
tion with professional judgment by individuals with such
inspection
discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.
ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
testing and calibration laboratories
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ISO/IEC 17043 Conformity assessment – General require-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ments for proficiency testing
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms that can assist in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
interpreting this standard, refer to Terminology E1732.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2.1 blank, n—a control where a specified component(s) is
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
not present.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Blanks with various designations can
2
be specified, such as system blank, process blank, method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
blank, reagent blank, solvent blank, etc. Certain blanks may
also serve as a negative control.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
3.2.2 certified reference material, n—reference material
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on Interdisciplin-
(RM)characterizedbyametrologicallyvalidprocedureforone
ary Forensic Science Standards.
ormorespecifiedproperties,accompaniedbyanRMcertificate
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published January 2021. Originally
approved in 2020. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as E3255 – 20. DOI:
10.1520/E3255-21.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
the ASTM website. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page:
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3255 − 20 E3255 − 21
Standard Practice for
Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers
1
Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3255; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice discusses procedures for quality assurance of forensic science service providers performing forensic chemical
analysis. This practice provides a framework of quality in the processing of evidence, including: maintaining a quality management
system; personnel duties, qualifications, training, and education; facility considerations; evidence handling; analytical procedures;
instrument and equipment performance; chemicals and reagents; casework documentation and reporting; proficiency and
competency testing; method validation and verification; audits; deficiency of analysis; and documentation requirements. Annex A1
– Annex A3 provide additional procedures that are discipline-specific.
1.2 This practice cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience
(see Practice E2917), and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific
knowledge, skills, and abilities.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
3
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO Guide 30 Reference Materialsmaterials — Selected Termsterms and Definitionsdefinitions
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on Interdisciplinary
Forensic Science Standards.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020Jan. 1, 2021. Published October 2020January 2021. Originally approved in 2020. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as E3255
– 20. DOI: 10.1520/E3255-20.10.1520/E3255-21.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E3255 − 21
ISO 17034 General Requirementsrequirements for the Competence of Reference Material Producerscompetence of reference
material producers
ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirementsrequirements for the Competencecompetence of Testingtesting and Calibration Labora-
toriescalibration laboratories
ISO/IEC 17043 Conformity assessment – General requirements for proficiency testing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms that can assist in interpreting this standard, refer to Terminology E1732.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 blank, n—a control where a specified component(s) is not present.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Blanks with various designations can be specified, such as system
...

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Standard Guide for Using Micro X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) in Forensic Polymer Examinations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 µ-XRF is a nondestructive qualitative elemental analysis technique used for polymers. It involves excitation of a sample by an X-ray source resulting in the emission of characteristic X-rays detected using an energy dispersive X-ray detector. Results are displayed simultaneously as a spectrum of intensity as a function of energy for elements of atomic number 11 or greater.  
4.2 µ-XRF enables the determination of the elemental composition of a specimen and can be utilized for comparisons of components of polymeric materials (for example, tape backings, tape adhesives, paint layers).  
4.3 Comparisons of X-ray spectra acquired from polymer samples are conducted for source discrimination or potential association.  
4.4 Quantitative processes for µ-XRF analysis are available but are not used for polymer analyses because of the lack of prepared polymer standard reference samples.  
4.5 In general, information available from a heterogeneous specimen diminishes as its size is reduced or its condition degrades, which lessens its likelihood of being representative of the source material.  
4.6 µ-XRF data collected from polymers is limited to specific information (for example, elements detected, relative elemental abundance); additional analytical procedures are required to further characterize and identify the chemical composition of the polymer sample.  
4.7 Limitations of µ-XRF include the inability to detect some elements in trace concentrations, the inability to analyze individual particles, the potential interference related to the penetration depth of the beam relative to the sample thickness, the inability to resolve the peaks of some elements (for example, Ba Lα / Ti Kα), and the potential for discoloration of some materials due to exposure to radiation.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers recommended techniques and procedures intended for use by forensic laboratory personnel that perform µ-XRF analysis of polymer samples.  
1.2 This guide describes various techniques and procedures used in the µ-XRF analysis of polymers that include sample handling and preparation, instrument operating conditions, and spectral data collection, evaluation and interpretation.  
1.3 This guide describes the application of µ-XRF systems equipped with either mono- or poly- capillary optics and an energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDS).  
1.4 This guide is intended to be applied within the scope of a broader analytical scheme (for example, Guide E1610, Guide E3260) for the forensic analysis of a polymer sample (1-6).2 A µ-XRF analysis can provide additional information regarding the potential relationships between the sources of polymeric materials.  
1.5 The fundamental aspects of the composition and manufacture of polymeric materials or theory of X-ray fluorescence can be found in various texts (7-18).  
1.6 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practices E2917, E3233, E3234), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.  
1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Dyes in Textile Fibers by Thin-Layer Chromatography

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 TLC is an inexpensive and simple technique that could be used to complement other analytical techniques within a general analytical scheme related to forensic fiber examination.  
5.2 Consider the forensic analysis of fiber colorants using TLC for single fiber comparisons only when the sample size is adequate (that is, enough colorant can be extracted for analysis) and it is not possible to discriminate between the fibers of interest using other techniques, such as comparison microscopy and MSP. Larger fibrous units (for example, thread or tuft) can be treated as an individual sample if determined to be homogeneous. Do not treat fibers that cannot be directly related to each other as a collective sample for the purposes of TLC.  
5.3 The extraction procedures carried out prior to TLC analysis can provide useful information about dye classification. TLC can provide qualitative information about dye components. Similar colors made up of different dye components can be differentiated using this technique. The application of TLC may serve to discriminate between fibers or it may support the possibility of fibers sharing a common source.  
5.4 TLC can be prohibitively difficult or undesirable in some circumstances. Short lengths of fibers or pale-colored fibers can lack adequate amounts of colorant necessary to be examined by TLC. Dye extraction from some fibers can be impossible (2, 3). Some fiber types do not truly extract, but change or lose color. Reactive dyes are covalently bonded to the fiber and typically cannot be removed by conventional extraction methods, but can be released from cotton and wool by disrupting the fiber by enzymatic or chemical digestion, respectively (1). The desire to preserve evidence from deleterious change or for possible analysis by another examiner can preclude removing the color or employing a destructive method for analysis.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended as an overview of the Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) of fiber colorants (or individual dye components) present in dyed fibers. It is intended to be applied within the scope of a broader analytical scheme for the forensic analysis of fiber samples. TLC could provide information that cannot be obtained through other color analyses (such as microspectrophotometry (MSP)) (1).2  
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Standard Practice for Use of Color in the Visual Examination and Forensic Comparison of Soil Samples

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Color is an easily observable characteristic of soils and is integral to the taxonomic classifications of soils (6-8); factors including parent material, hydrology, vegetation, and extent of soil weathering, can affect soil color, making color a valuable diagnostic tool for forensic examination purposes.  
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1.1 This practice covers visual color determination of soil/geologic material within the context of a forensic examination and is intended for use by laboratory personnel.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide is designed to assist an examiner in the selection of appropriate sample preparation methods for the analysis, comparison, and identification of fibers using IR spectroscopy. IR spectroscopy can provide additional compositional information than is obtained using polarized light microscopy alone. The extent to which IR spectral comparison is conducted will vary with specific sample and case evaluations.  
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5.1 The construction, composition, and color of textiles contain useful comparative characteristics for forensic examinations. Textiles are observed in a variety of constructions: woven, knit, nonwoven, or in combination. The range of colors in which textiles are offered in the marketplace is vast and constantly changing due to styles and seasons.  
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SCOPE
1.1 This guide is intended to assist individuals and laboratories that conduct examinations of fabrics and cordage for the purposes of analyzing and comparing types of fabric, cordage and damage. A complete characterization of the fabrics, including their construction and other materials used in the assemblage of a textile (for example, sewing thread), is a critical component of a comprehensive forensic fabric or cordage examination.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A training program provides the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for a trainee to become a qualified forensic hair examiner.  
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SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers training guidelines for use by forensic laboratory personnel responsible for training forensic examiners that will perform hair examinations, including microscopical comparisons of human hair.  
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1.5 This practice addresses training for the microscopical examination of hairs and not the examination of chemical alterations (for example, hair dye) or trace materials on the surface of hairs (for example, hair care products).  
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Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Hair by Microscopy

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A microscopical hair examination is conducted to determine if the item is a hair; from a human; from a particular somatic region; characteristic of a broad geographically-assigned ancestral group; characteristic of a particular growth phase; damaged; symptomatic of disease, condition, or disorder; forcibly removed; chemically altered (for example, dyed or bleached); suitable for microscopical comparison; suitable for DNA analysis; and similar to or different from a known sample (4-9).  
4.2 Most often, hairs from the head and pubic regions of the body are used for microscopical comparisons. There is usually more interpersonal variability in the characteristics of head and pubic hairs than in the hairs from other somatic regions. Head hairs usually show more interpersonal variation than pubic hairs. Hairs from other somatic regions may also be compared, but these comparisons are usually limited and less frequently conducted. Accordingly, this guide primarily considers human head and pubic hair comparisons.  
4.3 Microscopical hair comparisons are not a means of individualization (10). This limitation is to be stated in any communication (for example, reports, testimony) when an association is reported.  
4.4 Additional analyses can be performed on hairs that have been chemically altered (for example, dyed hair) or have trace materials on the surface (for example, glitter). Such techniques are beyond the scope of this document.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers procedures used by forensic laboratory personnel in the forensic examination of hair by microscopy, including microscopical comparisons and classification of hair samples.  
1.2 This guide addresses instrument setup, hair collection, sample handling techniques, and the use of various microscopes in the examination and comparison of hair.  
1.3 This guide addresses the benefit of following microscopical examinations with DNA analysis.  
1.4 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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ASTM E3294-22(Guide)
Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Geological Materials by Powder X-Ray Diffraction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The overarching goals of the forensic analysis of geological materials include (A) identification of an unknown material (see 11.3), (B) analysis of soils, sediments, or rocks to restrict their possible geographic origins as part of a provenance analysis (see 11.4), and (C) comparison of two or more samples to assess if they could have originated from the same source or to exclude a common source based on observation of exclusionary differences (see 11.5). XRD is only one analytical method that can be applied to the evidentiary samples in service of these distinct goals.  
5.2 Within the analytical scheme of geological materials, XRD analysis is used to: identify the crystalline components within a sample; identify the crystalline components separated from a mixture, typically clay-sized material (see 8.8), or a selected particle class for which additional analysis is needed (see 8.11); or compare two or more samples based on the identified crystalline phases or diffraction patterns (see 11.5).  
5.2.1 Non-destructive XRD analysis can be performed in situ on geological material adhering to a substrate (see 8.12.3).  
5.2.2 The most common forensic applications of XRD to geological materials are (A) identification or confirmation of a selected phase or fraction of a sample (see 8.12), (B) identification of minerals in the clay-sized fractions of soils (see 8.8), and (C) identification of the phases of the hydrated cement component of concrete or mortar.  
5.3 This guide is intended to be used with other methods of analysis (for example, polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, palynology) within a more comprehensive analytical scheme for the forensic analysis or comparison of geological materials.  
5.3.1 Comprehensive criteria for forensic comparisons of geological material integrating multiple analytical methods and provenance estimations (see 11.4) are not included and are beyond the scope of this guide.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers techniques and procedures for the use of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the forensic analysis of geological materials (to include soils, rocks, sediments, and materials derived from them such as concrete), to enable non-consumptive identification of solid crystalline materials present as single components or multi-component mixtures.  
1.2 This guide makes recommendations for the preparation of geological materials for powder XRD analysis with adaptations for samples of limited quantity, instrumental configuration to generate high-quality XRD data, identification of crystalline materials by comparison to published diffraction data, and forensic comparison of XRD patterns from two or more samples of geological materials to support criminal investigations.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Other units are avoided, in general, but there is a long-standing tradition of expressing X-ray wavelengths and lattice spacing in units of Ångströms (Å). One Ångström = 10–10 meter (m) = 0.1 nanometer (nm).  
1.4 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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ASTM
ASTM E2809-22(Guide)
Standard Guide for Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in Forensic Polymer Examinations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended to advise and assist the analyst in the preparation of polymer samples (for example, paint and tape) for SEM/EDS, the collection of data by SEM/EDS, and the interpretation of images and data resulting from these analyses.  
4.2 When polymers are constructed as layered materials, SEM/EDS analysis is conducted on each polymeric layer individually. This analysis can be hindered by a non-discernable layer structure (for example, smear, irregular segregation within the layer system).  
4.3 SEM-EDS data can be useful in:  
4.3.1 Layer Elucidation—SEM images provide insight into the layer structure of a sample.  
4.3.2 Texture Elucidation—SEM images and elemental maps provide insight into the texture (for example, surface topography, distribution of inclusions).  
4.3.3 Element Identification—Determination of the elements detected in a sample layer.  
4.3.4 Relative Elemental Abundance Determination—An EDS spectrum permits the relative abundance of elements in samples to be compared.  
4.4 In the context of a forensic polymer comparison, the evaluation of SEM/EDS results are intended to provide insight into the following forensic tasks:  
4.4.1 Comparison of structure, texture, and elemental data.  
4.4.2 Support for results from other instruments (for example, the presence of calcium, oxygen, and carbon in the EDS spectrum obtained from discrete particles indicates the presence of calcium carbonate as observed in an infrared spectrum). Refer to Guides E2937 and E3085 for further details.  
4.4.3 Significance of results given the presence of certain elements, layer structures, or textures.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers recommended techniques and procedures intended for use by forensic laboratory personnel that perform SEM/EDS analyses on polymer samples.  
1.2 This guide describes various techniques and procedures used in the SEM/EDS analysis of polymers that include sample handling and preparation, instrument operating conditions, and spectral data collection, evaluation and interpretation.  
1.3 The theoretical aspects of many of the topics presented can be found in texts such as Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis (1).2  
1.4 This guide is intended to be applied within the scope of a broader analytical scheme (for example, Guides E1610, E3260) for the forensic analysis of a polymer sample. An SEM/EDS analysis can provide additional information regarding the potential relationships between the sources of polymeric materials.  
1.5 This guide is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practices E2917, E3233, and E3234), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Other units of measurement are included in this standard where applicable as a result of common usage (for example, keV).  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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ASTM
ASTM E3296-22(Guide)
Standard Guide for Using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Forensic Polymer Examinations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide provides guidance in the selection of appropriate sample preparation methods and instrumental parameters for the analysis, comparison, or identification of various polymeric materials by PGC and PGC/MS.  
4.1.1 PGC/MS can differentiate between classes of fibers (for example, acrylic, polyester, nylon) and within classes of fibers (for example, acrylics) (1-3).5  
4.1.2 Paint binders are differentiated based upon the variety of monomers used in paint formulations which could be difficult to identify by other analytical techniques. In addition, some additives can be detected or identified.  
4.1.3 Differentiation can be achieved by the separation and identification of organic components in the adhesive portion of tapes (4, 5) and in the backings of electrical tapes (6).  
4.1.4 PGC/MS can provide additional discrimination for other types of polymers such as automotive lenses, automotive body fillers, cosmetics, plastics, and rubbers (7-9).  
4.2 Pyrolysis breaks a large molecule into many smaller molecules in a reproducible fashion through the breaking of bonds by means of the application of thermal energy. Analytical pyrolysis is used to provide chemical information on organic-containing solids that cannot be dissolved or otherwise introduced into a chromatographic system. It is also used to analyze and compare solvents bound in a solid material (such as tape adhesives) (10). When analyzed using a separation technique such as gas chromatography, the smaller molecules produced through the action of pyrolysis form a pattern of separated fragments. Mass and structural information indicative of the original molecule are also available when a mass spectral detector is used.  
4.3 Although a destructive method, and therefore often placed at the end of an analytical scheme, the pyrograms produced from different polymer compositions form characteristic patterns that are useful for both identification of polymer type and comparisons between samples (4, 6...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers information and recommendations for the selection and application of various PGC and PGC/MS procedures and methods in the forensic examination of polymeric materials (for example, fibers, paint, tape). PGC and PGC/MS methods are used for the identification and comparison of the organic components of these materials. Refer to Practice D3452 for further information on the preparation of the pyrolysis system for polymeric analyses.  
1.2 This guide is to be used in conjunction with a broader analytical scheme such as Guides E1610 or E3260, or the SWGMAT Forensic Fiber Examination Guidelines.  
1.3 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practices E2917, E3233, E3234), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

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