Guidelines for the identification of unknown samples for laboratories performing forensic analyses for chemical terrorism.
Since the early 1990s, the FBI Laboratory has sponsored Scientific Working Groups to improve discipline practices and build consensus among the forensic community. The Scientific Working Group on the Forensic Analysis of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism developed guidance, contained in this document, on issues forensic laboratories encounter when accepting and analyzing unknown samples associated with chemical terrorism, including laboratory capabilities and analytical testing plans. In the context of forensic analysis of chemical terrorism, this guidance defines an unknown sample and addresses what constitutes definitive and tentative identification. Laboratory safety, reporting issues, and postreporting considerations are also discussed. Utilization of these guidelines, as part of planning for forensic analysis related to a chemical terrorism incident, may help avoid unfortunate consequences not only to the public but also to the laboratory personnel.
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Homeland Security Research Center, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA. magnuson.matthew@epa.gov
Matthew L
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Magnuson
R Duane
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Satzger
Armando
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Alcaraz
Jason
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Brewer
Dean
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Fetterolf
Martin
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Harper
Ronald
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Hrynchuk
Mary F
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McNally
Madeline
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Montgomery
Eric
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Nottingham
James
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Peterson
Michael
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Rickenbach
Jimmy L
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Seidel
Karen
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Wolnik
D051337:Chemical Terrorism; D044707:Forensic Sciences / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D011786:Quality Control; D017751:Safety Management / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States