Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - Part 2: Forensic inter-laboratory trial: Bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in a range of chemical compounds (Australia and New Zealand)

Benson, SJ; Lennard, CJ; Maynard, P; Hill, DM; Andrew, AS; Neal, K; Stuart-Williams, H; Hope, J; Stewart Walker, G; Roux, C

Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - Part 2: Forensic inter-laboratory trial: Bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in a range of chemical compounds (Australia and New Zealand)

Benson, SJ Lennard, CJ

Maynard, P

Hill, DM Andrew, AS Neal, K Stuart-Williams, H Hope, J Stewart Walker, G Roux, C

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2010, 55 (1), pp. 205 - 212
Issue Date:: 2010-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Benson, SJ	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Lennard, CJ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9164-7103	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Maynard, P https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4953-9114	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Hill, DM	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Andrew, AS	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Neal, K	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Stuart-Williams, H	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Hope, J	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Stewart Walker, G	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Roux, C https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3610-420X	en_US
dc.date.issued	2010-01-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2010, 55 (1), pp. 205 - 212	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	0022-1198	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/13076
dc.description.abstract	Comparability of data over time and between laboratories is a key issue for consideration in the development of global databases, and more broadly for quality assurance in general. One mechanism that can be utilized for evaluating traceability is an inter-laboratory trial. This paper addresses an inter-laboratory trial conducted across a number of Australian and New Zealand isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) laboratories. The main objective of this trial was to determine whether IRMS laboratories in these countries would record comparable values for the distributed samples. Four carbon containing and four nitrogen containing compounds were distributed to seven laboratories in Australia and one in New Zealand. The laboratories were requested to analyze the samples using their standard procedures. The data from each laboratory was evaluated collectively using International Standard ISO 13528 (Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by inter-laboratory comparisons). "Warning signals" were raised against one participant in this trial. "Action signals" requiring corrective action were raised against four participants. These participants reviewed the data and possible sources for the discrepancies. This inter-laboratory trial was successful in providing an initial snapshot of the potential for traceability between the participating laboratories. The statistical methods described in this article could be used as a model for others needing to evaluate stable isotope results derived from multiple laboratories, e.g., inter-laboratory trials/proficiency testing. Ongoing trials will be conducted to improve traceability across the Australian and New Zealand IRMS community. © 2009 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Journal of Forensic Sciences	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01242.x	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Legal & Forensic Medicine	en_US
dc.title	Forensic analysis of explosives using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) - Part 2: Forensic inter-laboratory trial: Bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in a range of chemical compounds (Australia and New Zealand)	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	1	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	55	en_US
utslib.for	0399 Other Chemical Sciences	en_US
utslib.for	0699 Other Biological Sciences	en_US
utslib.for	1103 Clinical Sciences	en_US
dc.location.activity	ISI:000273310900035	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	1	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	55	en_US

Abstract:

Comparability of data over time and between laboratories is a key issue for consideration in the development of global databases, and more broadly for quality assurance in general. One mechanism that can be utilized for evaluating traceability is an inter-laboratory trial. This paper addresses an inter-laboratory trial conducted across a number of Australian and New Zealand isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) laboratories. The main objective of this trial was to determine whether IRMS laboratories in these countries would record comparable values for the distributed samples. Four carbon containing and four nitrogen containing compounds were distributed to seven laboratories in Australia and one in New Zealand. The laboratories were requested to analyze the samples using their standard procedures. The data from each laboratory was evaluated collectively using International Standard ISO 13528 (Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by inter-laboratory comparisons). "Warning signals" were raised against one participant in this trial. "Action signals" requiring corrective action were raised against four participants. These participants reviewed the data and possible sources for the discrepancies. This inter-laboratory trial was successful in providing an initial snapshot of the potential for traceability between the participating laboratories. The statistical methods described in this article could be used as a model for others needing to evaluate stable isotope results derived from multiple laboratories, e.g., inter-laboratory trials/proficiency testing. Ongoing trials will be conducted to improve traceability across the Australian and New Zealand IRMS community. © 2009 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/13076