Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is intended for use as a sampling technique within a general scheme for the analysis of ignitable liquids and ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples in accordance with Guide E3245.  
4.2 Headspace samples obtained using this practice are screened using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) or analyzed using a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS, refer to Test Method E1618).  
4.3 This practice is most applicable for sampling light to medium range ignitable liquids.3, 4, 5, 6 It is not capable of sufficient recovery of heavy range ignitable liquids to support accurate analysis using Test Method E1618.
Note 1: When present in high concentrations, highly volatile compounds can saturate the headspace, inhibiting the recovery of less volatile compounds by this practice. This skewed recovery can lead to the detection or identification of only the more volatile compounds in the sample.  
4.4 This practice is useful for sampling fire debris to screen for the presence of ignitable liquid residues prior to extraction with other techniques, such as those described in Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, and E2154, and E3189.  
4.4.1 This practice is less capable of recovering limited quantities of ignitable liquids than Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, E2154, and E3189, particularly for heavy range compounds.  
4.5 This practice only removes a small aliquot of the headspace vapor from a closed container; therefore, the fire debris sample remains in approximately the same condition in which it was submitted, and reanalysis using a new headspace sample, or a different sampling technique, is possible. However, removing multiple headspace samples continually reduces the concentration of ignitable liquid vapors, if originally present, and can eventually result in non-recovery by static headspace sampling.
Note 2: The headspace sample collected using this practice is consumed in the subsequent screening by GC-FID o...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the procedure for removing a vapor sample from the headspace of a fire debris container for the purpose of detecting or identifying ignitable liquid residues.  
1.2 Separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents. (See Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, E2154, and E3189.)  
1.3 This practice 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.  
1.4 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 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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
29-Feb-2024
Technical Committee
E30 - Forensic Sciences
Drafting Committee
E30.01 - Criminalistics

Relations

Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Feb-2024
Effective Date
01-Apr-2022
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM E1388-24, titled Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples, provides procedures for collecting vapor samples from the headspace of fire debris containers. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports forensic investigations focused on the detection and identification of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris. Static headspace sampling as described in E1388-24 is especially valuable as a rapid, minimally invasive screening technique in forensic laboratories and plays a key role in fire scene analysis.

This practice is most suitable for forensic science practitioners with appropriate training and experience. It is essential for those working within legal or regulated frameworks in fire investigation, where consistent, repeatable methodology is critical for evidence handling and analysis.

Key Topics

  • Purpose: Provides a standardized approach for removing a vapor sample from the headspace of a sealed fire debris container in order to detect ignitable liquid residues.
  • Analytical Techniques:
    • Screening is performed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID).
    • Further analysis utilizes gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as referenced in ASTM E1618.
  • Applicability:
    • Highly effective for sampling light to medium range ignitable liquids.
    • Less effective for recovering heavy range ignitable liquids, which may require alternative methods.
  • Sample Integrity:
    • Sampling removes only a small aliquot of vapor, preserving the majority of the original sample for potential reanalysis with different techniques.
    • Multiple samplings from the same container can reduce volatile vapor concentrations.
  • Limitations:
    • High concentrations of very volatile compounds can oversaturate the headspace, potentially masking less volatile residues.
    • For comprehensive analysis or in the presence of heavy range ignitable liquids, complementary extraction methods are recommended.
  • Quality Control:
    • Includes requirements for system blanks and positive controls to verify method performance and avoid contamination.

Applications

ASTM E1388-24 is essential for forensic laboratories performing fire debris analysis. Its practical applications include:

  • Forensic Fire Debris Screening: Rapidly determines whether ignitable liquid residues are present in fire debris samples before more detailed extraction and analysis.
  • Evidence Preservation: Because only a small vapor sample is withdrawn, the integrity of the original fire debris is largely maintained, facilitating re-analysis if necessary.
  • Support for Legal Proceedings: The use of standardized procedures ensures that analyses meet legal and regulatory standards, increasing the reliability of forensic testimony in court.
  • Prioritization of Samples: Enables laboratories to prioritize which samples should undergo further, more resource-intensive analysis based on initial screening results.

Practitioners should note that the method is intended for use by trained personnel and emphasizes adherence to appropriate safety and documentation practices.

Related Standards

The practice references and complements several other ASTM standards in fire debris analysis and forensic science, including:

  • ASTM E1386: Solvent Extraction for ignitable liquids from fire debris.
  • ASTM E1412: Passive Headspace Concentration with Activated Charcoal.
  • ASTM E1413: Dynamic Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube.
  • ASTM E1618: GC-MS Method for identification of ignitable liquid residues.
  • ASTM E2154: Passive Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME).
  • ASTM E3189: Static Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube.
  • ASTM E1492: Handling and Storage of Forensic Evidence.
  • ASTM E2917: Requirements for practitioner competency and training.
  • ASTM E3245: Systematic Approach to Fire Debris Extraction and Analysis.
  • ASTM E3255: Quality Assurance in Forensic Chemical Analysis.

These related ASTM standards form a cohesive set of best practices for the forensic chemical analysis of fire debris, ignitable liquids, and residues.

Keywords: fire debris analysis, headspace sampling, forensic science, ignitable liquids, ASTM E1388-24, static headspace, GC-FID, GC-MS, ignitable liquid residues, fire investigation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM E1388-24 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice is intended for use as a sampling technique within a general scheme for the analysis of ignitable liquids and ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples in accordance with Guide E3245. 4.2 Headspace samples obtained using this practice are screened using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) or analyzed using a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS, refer to Test Method E1618). 4.3 This practice is most applicable for sampling light to medium range ignitable liquids.3, 4, 5, 6 It is not capable of sufficient recovery of heavy range ignitable liquids to support accurate analysis using Test Method E1618. Note 1: When present in high concentrations, highly volatile compounds can saturate the headspace, inhibiting the recovery of less volatile compounds by this practice. This skewed recovery can lead to the detection or identification of only the more volatile compounds in the sample. 4.4 This practice is useful for sampling fire debris to screen for the presence of ignitable liquid residues prior to extraction with other techniques, such as those described in Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, and E2154, and E3189. 4.4.1 This practice is less capable of recovering limited quantities of ignitable liquids than Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, E2154, and E3189, particularly for heavy range compounds. 4.5 This practice only removes a small aliquot of the headspace vapor from a closed container; therefore, the fire debris sample remains in approximately the same condition in which it was submitted, and reanalysis using a new headspace sample, or a different sampling technique, is possible. However, removing multiple headspace samples continually reduces the concentration of ignitable liquid vapors, if originally present, and can eventually result in non-recovery by static headspace sampling. Note 2: The headspace sample collected using this practice is consumed in the subsequent screening by GC-FID o... SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes the procedure for removing a vapor sample from the headspace of a fire debris container for the purpose of detecting or identifying ignitable liquid residues. 1.2 Separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents. (See Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, E2154, and E3189.) 1.3 This practice 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. 1.4 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 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice is intended for use as a sampling technique within a general scheme for the analysis of ignitable liquids and ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples in accordance with Guide E3245. 4.2 Headspace samples obtained using this practice are screened using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) or analyzed using a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS, refer to Test Method E1618). 4.3 This practice is most applicable for sampling light to medium range ignitable liquids.3, 4, 5, 6 It is not capable of sufficient recovery of heavy range ignitable liquids to support accurate analysis using Test Method E1618. Note 1: When present in high concentrations, highly volatile compounds can saturate the headspace, inhibiting the recovery of less volatile compounds by this practice. This skewed recovery can lead to the detection or identification of only the more volatile compounds in the sample. 4.4 This practice is useful for sampling fire debris to screen for the presence of ignitable liquid residues prior to extraction with other techniques, such as those described in Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, and E2154, and E3189. 4.4.1 This practice is less capable of recovering limited quantities of ignitable liquids than Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, E2154, and E3189, particularly for heavy range compounds. 4.5 This practice only removes a small aliquot of the headspace vapor from a closed container; therefore, the fire debris sample remains in approximately the same condition in which it was submitted, and reanalysis using a new headspace sample, or a different sampling technique, is possible. However, removing multiple headspace samples continually reduces the concentration of ignitable liquid vapors, if originally present, and can eventually result in non-recovery by static headspace sampling. Note 2: The headspace sample collected using this practice is consumed in the subsequent screening by GC-FID o... SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes the procedure for removing a vapor sample from the headspace of a fire debris container for the purpose of detecting or identifying ignitable liquid residues. 1.2 Separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents. (See Practices E1386, E1412, E1413, E2154, and E3189.) 1.3 This practice 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. 1.4 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 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.

ASTM E1388-24 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.99 - Other standards related to protection against fire. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM E1388-24 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1388-17, ASTM E1732-24, ASTM E1732-22, ASTM E3197-23, ASTM E1413-19, ASTM E3189-19, ASTM E1386-23, ASTM E3245-20e1, ASTM E2451-21, ASTM E2881-18, ASTM E1412-19, ASTM E1618-19, ASTM E2154-15a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM E1388-24 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

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: E1388 − 24 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris
Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1388; 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 from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concen-
tration with Activated Charcoal
1.1 This practice describes the procedure for removing a
E1413 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
vapor sample from the headspace of a fire debris container for
from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Con-
the purpose of detecting or identifying ignitable liquid resi-
centration onto an Adsorbent Tube
dues.
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
1.2 Separation and concentration procedures are listed in the
Documentation
referenced documents. (See Practices E1386, E1412, E1413,
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
E2154, and E3189.)
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E1618 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts
1.3 This practice is intended for use by competent forensic
science practitioners with the requisite formal education, from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry
discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demon-
strated proficiency to perform forensic casework. E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E2154 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Pas-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
sive Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microex-
standard.
traction (SPME)
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Continuing Education, and Professional Development
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Programs
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E3189 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concen-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
tration onto an Adsorbent Tube
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
E3197 Terminology Relating to Examination of Fire Debris
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
E3245 Guide for Systematic Approach to the Extraction,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Analysis, and Classification of Ignitable Liquids and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Ignitable Liquid Residues in Fire Debris Samples
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
E3255 Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science
Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis
2. Referenced Documents
2 3. Terminology
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1386 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction practice, refer to Terminology E1732 and Terminology E3197.
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice is intended for use as a sampling technique
This practice in under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic within a general scheme for the analysis of ignitable liquids
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
and ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples in
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
accordance with Guide E3245.
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E1388 – 17. DOI:
10.1520/E1388-24.
4.2 Headspace samples obtained using this practice are
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
screened using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
detector (GC-FID) or analyzed using a gas chromatograph with
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. a mass spectrometer (GC-MS, refer to Test Method E1618).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1388 − 24
4.3 This practice is most applicable for sampling light to 6.1.1 Use a selection of ignitable liquids that together cover
3, 4, 5, 6
medium range ignitable liquids. It is not capable of the entire range of compounds to be sampled with this practice,
sufficient recovery of heavy range ignitable liquids to support a range of concentrations of those ignitable liquids, and
accurate analysis using Test Method E1618. ignitable liquids on matrices such as wood and carpet created
NOTE 1—When present in high concentrations, highly volatile com-
to simulate common questioned samples.
pounds can saturate the headspace, inhibiting the recovery of less volatile
6.1.2 Maintain records of the verification in accordance
compounds by this practice. This skewed recovery can lead to the
with Practice E3255.
detection or identification of only the more volatile compounds in the
sample.
6.2 Prepare at least one system blank each day that ques-
tioned samples are prepared, using the same conditions that
4.4 This practice is useful for sampling fire debris to screen
will be used for the questioned samples. Analyze the system
for the presence of ignitable liquid residues prior to extraction
blank prior to analyzing questioned samples to demonstrate
with other techniques, such as those described in Practices
that the materials and apparatus used are free from contami-
E1386, E1412, E1413, and E2154, and E3189.
nants that could interfere with the subsequent analysis and
4.4.1 This practice is less capable of recovering limited
ability to identify ignitable liquids in questioned samples.
quantities of ignitable liquids than Practices E1386, E1412,
E1413, E2154, and E3189, particularly for heavy range com- 6.2.1 A system blank for static headspace sampling consists
of an empty, clean, dry evidence container and the syringe that
pounds.
will be used for sampling.
4.5 This practice only removes a small aliquot of the
6.2.2 If analysis of the system blank indicates
headspace vapor from a closed container; therefore, the fire
contamination, review the results from all relevant questioned
debris sample remains in approximately the same condition in
samples to determine if and how the questioned sample results
which it was submitted, and reanalysis using a new headspace
were affected.
sample, or a different sampling technique, is possible.
6.2.3 Maintain data from system blanks as a portion of the
However, removing multiple headspace samples continually
casework documentation.
reduces the concentration of ignitable liquid vapors, if origi-
nally present, and can eventually result in non-recovery by 6.3 Prepare at least one positive control each day that
static headspace sampling. questioned samples are prepared, using the same conditions
that will be used for the questioned samples. Analyze the
NOTE 2—The headspace sample collected using this practice is con-
positive control prior to analyzing questioned samples to
sumed in the s
...


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: E1388 − 17 E1388 − 24 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris
Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1388; 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 describes the procedure for removing a vapor sample from the headspace of a fire debris container for the purpose
of detecting or identifying ignitable liquid residues.
1.2 Separation and concentration procedures are listed in the referenced documents. (See Practices E1386, E1412, E1413,
E2154and , and E2154E3189.)
1.3 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This standard cannot replace
knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience is intended for use by competent
forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917and should be
used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.), 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 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 and healthsafety, 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1386 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with
Activated Charcoal
E1413 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration
onto an Adsorbent Tube
E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
This practice in under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved July 15, 2017March 1, 2024. Published July 2017March 2024. Originally approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as
E1388 – 12.E1388 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/E1388-17.10.1520/E1388-24.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1388 − 24
E1618 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E2154 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace
Concentration with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME)
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
E3189 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto
an Adsorbent Tube
E3197 Terminology Relating to Examination of Fire Debris
E2451E3245 Practice for Preserving Guide for Systematic Approach to the Extraction, Analysis, and Classification of Ignitable
Liquids and Ignitable Liquid Residue Extracts from Residues in Fire Debris Samples
E3255 Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 The headspace of an item is sampled, preferably in its original container, for analysis by an appropriate technique (for example,
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The container may be heated prior to sampling to increase the volatility of any ignitable
liquid residues.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to Terminology E1732 and Terminology E3197.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice is intended for use as a sampling technique within a general scheme for the analysis of ignitable liquids and
ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples in accordance with Guide E3245.
4.2 Headspace samples obtained using this practice are screened using a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector
(GC-FID) or analyzed using a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS, refer to Test Method E1618).
3, 4, 5, 6
4.3 This practice is most applicable for sampling light to medium range ignitable liquids. It is not capable of sufficient
recovery of heavy range ignitable liquids to support accurate analysis using Test Method E1618.
NOTE 1—When present in high concentrations, highly volatile compounds can saturate the headspace, inhibiting the recovery of less volatile compounds
by this practice. This skewed recovery can lead to the detection or identification of only the more volatile compounds in the sample.
4.4 This practice is useful for sampling fire debris to screen for the presence of ignitable liquid residues prior to extraction with
other techniques. It is most appropriate for sampling light to medium range ignitable liquids (such as light oxygenates, lacquer
thinners, and other similar volatile compounds or products), and less appropriate for sampling ignitable liquids that have
, ,
compounds in thetechniques, such as those described in Practices E1386heavy, E1412range., E1413, and E2154 , and E3189.
4.4.1 When sampled for screening purposes, the instrumentation typically utilized is a gas chromatograph with either a mass
spectrometer (GC-MS, refer toThis practice is less capable of recovering limited quantities of ignitable liquids than Practices
E1386Test, E1412Method, E1618E1413), E2154or flame, and E3189ionization detector (GC-FID)., particularly for heavy range
compounds.
4.2 This practice is generally less efficient at recovering limited quantities of ignitable liquids than Practices E1386, E1412,
E1413, and E2154, particularly for higher boiling compounds.
4.5 The separation takes place in a closed container and the This practice only removes a small aliquot of the headspace vapor
Ettling, B. V., and Adams, M. F., “The“The Study of Accelerant Residues in Fire Remains Study of Accelerant Residues in Fire Remains,” ,” Journal of Forensic Sciences,
Vol 13, No. 1, 1968, pp. 76–89.
Stauffer, E., Dolan, J. A., and Newman, R., Fire Debris Analysis, Boston, MA: Academic Press, 2008.
Hinshaw, J. V., “Headspace Sampling,” LCGC Europe, Vol 24, No. 10, 2011.
Evans-Nguyen, K., and Hutches, K. (Eds.), Forensic Analysis of Fire Debris and Explosives, Springer Nature Switzerland AG: Cham, Switzerland, 2019.
E1388 − 24
from a closed container; therefore, the fire debris sample remains in approximately the same condition in which it was submitted.
Since only a small aliquot of the sample headspace is removed for analysis, sample reanalysis may be possible. submitted, and
reanalysis using a new headspace sample, or a different sampling technique, is possible. However, removing multiple headspace
samples continually reduces the concentration of ignitable liquid vapors, if originally present, and can eventually result in
non-recovery by static headspace sampling.
NOTE 2—The headspace sample collected using this practice is consumed in the subsequent screening by GC-FID or analysis by GC-MS.
4.4 High concentrations of highly volatile compounds can saturate the headspace, inhibiting the recovery of less volatile
components and leading to the detection or identification of only the more volatile compounds in the sample.
4.5 This practice is intended for use in conjunction with other extraction techniques, such as those described in Practices E1386,
E1412, E1413, and E2154, when analysis of a sample for all classes of ignitable liquids is required or desired.
NOTE 1—The headspace specimen (the portion in the syringe) is consumed in the analysis. Preserve an extract for potential reanalysis (see Practice E2451)
using an alternative separation and concentration practice, such as those described in Practices E1386, E1412, and E1413, if preservation is required per
laboratory policies.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Heating System—An oven or equivalent, capable of reproducible temperature operation forin the desired range that can
accommodate the evidence container.range of 50 °C to 100 °C.
5.1.1 An oven is recommended to achieve a constant temperature throughout the system.
5.2 Temperature Measuring Device—A thermometer or thermocouple capable of measuring temperatures in the required range of
operation.50 °C to 100 °C.
5.3 Disposable or reusable gas-tight syringes, Sampling Syringe—A disposable or reusable syringe capable of reproducibly
sampling vapor volumes in the range from 0.5 to 2.0 mL.of 0.1 mL to 2.0 mL.
5.4 Disposable or reusable syringe needles.
5.4 Gas-tight vials and caps. Headspace Vials—Gas-tight vials and caps.
5.5 Puncturing Device—A tool or device capable of creating holes in evidence containers (for example,
...

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