An integrated approach to measurement needs Solutions to analytical problems tailored to specific needs are available from the Analytical Sciences Division Forensic Science Center Environmental Analytical Sciences Laboratory Radiation Analytical Sciences Laboratory. ASD technical staff members solve problems ranging from those requiring routine or standard analyses to those requiring development of new methods or techniques. Incident analysis Identification of toxic metals or organic contaminants in a variety of matrices.
Various techniques are available to analyze samples for inorganic and organic constituents.
When greater sensitivity or isotopic abundance information is needed, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is used. If high-precision isotope ratios are required, thermal ionization mass spectrometry is available. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is used to determine the identity of pure organic compounds or to separate and identify the individual constituents in complex organic mixtures. Classical solution and electrochemical analytical methods are also available. The FSC has also worked closely with law-enforcement agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area on a variety of problems.