A Global Interlaboratory Study to Evaluate Background Databases of LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Trace Elements in Glass for the Calculation of Likelihood Ratios in the Interpretation of Glass Evidence

Description:
The results of an interlaboratory exercise involving 16 operational and research laboratories employing laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and using a standard test method (ASTM E2927-16e1) [1] for the forensic analysis and comparison of glass evidence are presented.
The overall aims of this exercise [2] were to evaluate the performance of multiple different background databases containing trace element concentrations of glass recovered from scenes of crime or from survey of known source, on simulated casework samples [3]. The participating laboratories reported the results of an “association” or “exclusion” determination (as recommended by the ASTM E2927) and the calculation of a likelihood ratio (LR) as a more objective and quantitative assessment of the strength of any association found. [4,5]

Speaker: Katelyn Lambert - Florida International University