ASTM E2439-09(2016)

Standard Guide for Instrumentation, Sensors and Operating Software Used in Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Examinations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide sets forth the minimum requirements for instrumentation and software when conducting PDD examinations. For additional information see Practice E1954 and Guide E2000.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the minimum requirements for instrumentation (both analog and computerized systems), sensors and operating software used in the forensic psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD). As a minimum, such instrumentation shall simultaneously record an individual’s respiratory, electrodermal, and cardiovascular activity.  
1.2 This guide does not prohibit additional components, which may be offered as supplemental measurements of physiological change. Additional recording components may be used in addition to but not to replace the required minimum components.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2015
• ICS: 07.140 - Forensic science
• Technical Committee: E52 - Forensic Psychophysiology
• Drafting Committee: E52.02 - Instrumentation

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2439-09 - Standard Guide for Instrumentation, Sensors and Operating Software Used in Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Examinations
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM E2035-12(2024) - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1954-05(2017) - Standard Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2035-12(2017) - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2035-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM E2035-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2035-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2035-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2035-07 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Refers: ASTM E2035-07e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2007
• Refers: ASTM E2035-05a - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2000-05 - Standard Guide for Minimum Basic Education and Training of Individuals Involved in the Detection of Deception (PDD) (Withdrawn 2014)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2035-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1954-05 - Standard Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1954-05(2011) - Standard Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005

Overview

ASTM E2439-09(2016) is an international standard guide that outlines the minimum requirements for instrumentation, sensors, and software used in forensic psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD), commonly known as polygraph examinations. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports the reliability and consistency of polygraph systems by specifying how physiological data must be recorded and documented during forensic investigations. The guideline is intended to ensure accurate, reproducible results for legal and investigative use by defining the standards for analog and computerized polygraph systems.

Key Topics

• Minimum Instrumentation Requirements

  • Polygraph instrumentation must simultaneously record respiratory, electrodermal, and cardiovascular activity.
  • Both analog and computerized systems are included under the scope of the standard.
  • All mandatory channels must be recorded within the same instrument.

• Sensor Specifications

  • Respiratory activity is measured using pneumatic bellows or equivalent transducers, capturing both thoracic and abdominal girth changes.
  • Electrodermal activity is recorded via skin resistance or conductance, typically using wet Ag/AgCl electrodes; dry electrodes are permitted.
  • Cardiovascular activity is recorded via a blood pressure cuff or its equivalent.

• Operating Software Requirements

  • The polygraph software must allow for essential chart markings and documentation, such as examinee identity, date/time, recording events, stimulus onset, and any changes in instrumentation or software settings.
  • Software must maintain a separate data channel designed to capture covert body movements.

• Additional Channels and Flexibility

  • The standard permits additional physiological measurement channels as supplements but does not allow their use as substitutes for the required parameters (respiratory, electrodermal, cardiovascular).
  • All additional channels must meet manufacturer specifications and proper operational guidelines.

Applications

ASTM E2439-09(2016) is crucial for organizations, forensic examiners, and equipment manufacturers involved in:

• Forensic Polygraph Examinations: Ensures that instrumentation used in lie detection and investigative interviews meets internationally recognized performance criteria for accuracy and documentation.
• Training and Quality Control: Guides the selection and use of validated equipment as part of examiner education and quality assurance programs.
• Criminal and Civil Investigations: Supports admissibility and reliability of polygraph results in court and other official proceedings.
• Equipment Design and Procurement: Assists manufacturers and purchasers in evaluating compliance of polygraph systems with current forensic standards.

Related Standards

To support effective implementation of ASTM E2439-09(2016), the following standards provide further guidance:

• ASTM E1954: Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) - addresses research protocols related to polygraphy.
• ASTM E2000: Guide for Minimum Basic Education and Training of Individuals Involved in the Detection of Deception (PDD) - offers guidelines for examiner training (note: this standard was withdrawn in 2014).
• ASTM E2035: Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology - provides essential definitions for terms used in the field.

Practical Value

By applying ASTM E2439-09(2016), forensic organizations and professionals ensure that polygraph results are based on robust scientific standards, supporting the credibility and integrity of forensic psychophysiological detection of deception. Using compliant instrumentation, sensors, and software enhances accuracy in physiological measurement, facilitates proper legal documentation, and promotes trust in the investigative process.

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: E2439 − 09 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Guide for
Instrumentation, Sensors and Operating Software Used in
Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception
(Polygraph) Examinations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2439; 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 4. Significance and Use
1.1 This guide covers the minimum requirements for instru- 4.1 This guide sets forth the minimum requirements for
mentation (both analog and computerized systems), sensors instrumentation and software when conducting PDD examina-
and operating software used in the forensic psychophysiologi- tions. For additional information see Practice E1954 and Guide
cal detection of deception (PDD). As a minimum, such E2000.
instrumentation shall simultaneously record an individual’s
respiratory, electrodermal, and cardiovascular activity. 5. Minimum Requirements for Polygraph
Instrumentation and Software
1.2 This guide does not prohibit additional components,
which may be offered as supplemental measurements of 5.1 Aminimum of two channels of respiratory activity shall
physiological change. Additional recording components may
be simultaneously recorded, one thoracic and one abdominal.
be used in addition to but not to replace the required minimum 5.1.1 A minimum of one channel of exosomatic electroder-
components.
mal activity, via resistance or conductance, shall be recorded.
5.1.2 A minimum of one channel of cardiovascular activity
2. Referenced Documents
shall be recorded.
5.1.3 Additional channels may be recorded but shall not be
2.1 ASTM Standards:
used in place of respiration, electrodermal and cardiovascular
E1954 Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysi-
activity.
ological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)
5.1.4 The instrumentation and software shall allow a way to
E2000 Guide for Minimum Basic Education and Training of
mark the recorded information with the following minimum
Individuals Involved in the Detection of Deception (PDD)
notations: identity of examinee, date and time, start of
(Withdrawn 2014)
recording, pressure settings (when appropriate), gain settings,
E2035 Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology
any instructions given examinee, stimulus onset, stimulus
2.2 Other Document:
identification, end of stimulus, any answer given by examinee,
Manufacturer Manual(s) for System(s) in Use
standardized chart markings, end of recording and any changes
made to the instrumentation or software during recording (such
3. Terminology
as pressure changes, centering adjustments and gain adjust-
3.1 Definitions of Terms—See E2035.
ments).
5.1.5 All mandatory channels shall be recorded within the
3.2 Terminology may vary according to different manufac-
same instrument.
turers.
5.1.6 All polygraphs shall include a separate data channel
specifically designed to record covert body movements.
This
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