Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

 OSAC Research Needs Assessment Form 

Title of research need: 

Keywords: 

Submitting subcommittee(s): Date Approved: 

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.) 

Background information: 

1. Description of research need: 

2. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: 

3a. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities? 

 

Preserving activated carbon extracts from fire debris samples for reanalysis by the defense or prosecution is currently 

accomplished by archiving (1) a portion of the activated carbon strip used for sample extraction or (2) re-adsorption of 

the analytical sample on the activated carbon strip by solvent evaporation. The effects of storage conditions and 

storage time on the reproducibility of the original analytical sample are not well characterized. Research is needed to 

determine the impact of storage conditions and times on the reproducibility of analytical results. The results of the 

research should be a recommendation for storage conditions and maximum storage time. Proposals should address 

methodology, analytical figures of merit, and statistical data analysis to be performed in support of the 

recommendations. 

[1] Deng Z-y, Lu Z-b, Tian G-h, Liang G-f. Ignitable liquids extraction method for fire debris analysis: research on 

the adsorption using activated charcoal fiber. Xiaofang Kexue Yu Jishu. 2004;23:404-6. 

[2] Edgington T, Natu A, Arnold L, Leclerc NR, Maurer S, Marx S. Adsorbent materials for extending produce shelf 

life. BASF Corporation, USA . 2016. p. 60pp. 

[3] Oh K-J, Park D-W, Kim S-S, Park S-W. Breakthrough data analysis of adsorption of volatile organic compounds 

on granular activated carbon. Korean J Chem Eng. 2010;27:632-8. 

[4] Hsieh C-T, Chen J-M. Adsorption energy distribution model for VOCs onto activated carbons. J Colloid Interface 

Sci. 2002;255:248-53. 

[5] Sandercock, P.M.L. Retention of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Samples of Charcoal: Evaluation of Long Term 

Preservation of Peetroleum Residues, Canadian Soc of Forensic Sci, 1997; 30(4): 219-224. 

The research would substantiate a current laboratory practice or point to deficiencies in a current 

practice. In the latter case, the research would offer advice for development of a best practice for 

preservation of fire debris evidence on activated carbon strips. 

Research and Evaluation of Storage Conditions for Archiving Extracts from Fire Debris Samples 

Fire debris, evidence preservation, activated carbon 

Fire Debris and Explosives 5/12/2017 
Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

3b. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)? 

3c. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system? 

4. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): 

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.

Major gap 

in current 

knowledge 

Minor gap 

in current 

knowledge 

No or limited 

current research 

is being 

conducted 

I III 

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted 

II IV 

Current practice is based on phenomenological observations from repeated measurements. While 

no quantitative study has been published, numerous individual re-evaluations of carbon strips that 

have been stored at room temperature in sealed vials have occurred, confirming the original 

analytical conclusion. 

The results will provide a scientific and statistical basis for a current laboratory practice and 

ensure sample viability for reanalysis by both the prosecution and defense. 

 II 
Version 1 / Date of Issue: 10.29.15 / Issuing Authority: Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB)

// Approval date: 

(Approval is by majority vote of subcommittee. Once approved, forward to SAC.)

1. Does the SAC agree with the research need? Yes ⃝ No ⃝ 

2. Does the SAC agree with the status assessment? Yes ⃝ No ⃝ 

 

If no, what is the status assessment of the SAC:

Approval date: 

(Approval is by majority vote of SAC. Once approved, forward to NIST for posting.) 

12Feb2018 [SAC voted yes to both questions] 

Subcommittee 5/26/2017

SAC