Evaluation of Standardized Software for Processing GC/MS Data From Different Vendors' Instruments in a Forensic Laboratory

• NCJ Number: 246112
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 764-766
• Author(s): Eamonn McGee, N.Dip.; Scott MacDonald, B.Sc.; Graham A. McGibbon, Ph.D.; Arvin Moser, M.Sc.
• Date Published: May 2013
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study compared the data processing performance of the ACD/MS Manager Suite, with three instrument vendors' software used for casework analysis.

Abstract

Forensic science laboratories perform analyses on a variety of materials using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Instruments from different vendors may be used, requiring analysts to be proficient in the use of multiple proprietary software packages for collecting and processing data. There is no standardized GC/MS software available that can acquire data from different vendors' instruments. However, there are third-party processing software products that can import data files in different formats. The Centre of Forensic Sciences compared the data processing performance of one such product, ACD/MS Manager Suite, with three instrument vendors' software used for casework analysis. This product was tested for its compatibility with the existing software, its capability to load and present data, and to initiate searches of commercial libraries. The study shows that the MS Manager module provides a means for the forensic analyst to view, process, and report on data from different sources in one software package. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.