You hear it all the time in the news about companies being under fire for releasing contaminants into the environment.. But have you ever wondered how they determine who is responsible for the contaminants? As experts in environmental forensics, we did an investigation to identify the source of a strange methane gas...
How Accurate Are Your Lab Results, Really? – Get the best data for your litigation case
In my previous blog, I discussed how your laboratory measurements could be precise (the results are reproducible), yet inaccurate (the value is wrong).
Accuracy and Precision
Have you ever noticed that when you are on vacation, your mind relaxes but starts thinking of work-related stuff?It isn’t a bad thing. I know I am supposed to forget about work when I am away but by relaxing, interesting things come to mind at the weirdest times.That is what happened while remote camping back in the...
Best Practices for Collecting Flawless Field Samples for Court Cases
A little under a year ago, Chemistry Matters provided an all-day legal sampling seminar on best practices, requirements and techniques for legal sampling.
Do Samples Need Ice for Storage and Transport to the Laboratory?
During my seminars on arson and legal sampling over the years, one fundamental question is asked a lot regarding the collection of samples for ignitable liquid residue (ILR) analysis for a potential arson investigation. That question is, "Do my samples really need ice for storage and transport to the laboratory?"
Legal sampling field notes - up for legal scrutiny?
I was testifying several weeks at a trial for a case I have been working on for three years. Most legal cases can drag on for very long periods of time. All cases that I have been on have lasted a minimum of 2 years.