ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

Automated Data Analysis of Fire Debris Samples Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Macro Programming
Nowicki, J
Forensic Scientist, Illinois State Police, Suburban Chicago Laboratory, IL

(Received 25 January 1993; accepted 23 April 1993)

Abstract

A macro program written for Hewlett Packard Mass Selective Detector data stations that performs data analysis of fire debris samples is presented. The program generates a report that includes ion profiles for alkane, aromatic and polynuclear aromatic compounds, plus a list identifying the major peaks of the sample chromatogram. The algorithm that incorporates the retention index of the peak into the search of the mass spectral library is described in detail.

Keywords:
forensic science, fire, fire investigation, chemical analysis

Paper ID: JFS13539J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13539J
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