Glass fragments collected from a crime scene can be accurately matched using a mass spectrometry technique, according to forensic scientists in the Netherlands.

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Shirly Berends-Montero and colleagues at the Netherlands Forensic Institute in The Hague used laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to make accurate comparisons of trace elements present in glass shards obtained from the scene of a burglary. LA-ICP-MS identified that the glass fragments came from a single source.

'Forensic analysis starts with the sampling step taken by the crime scene investigators. Our work provides these experts with a method for interpreting the evidence,' said Berends-Montero.

LA-ICP-MS allows forensic analysts working with tiny quantities of glass to measure trace elements within the glass with good reliability and high speed. Importantly, there is little destruction of the evidence.

Berends-Montero explained 'Glass is frequently recovered from crime scenes, and because of its nature, it is easily transferred to anyone who has had direct or indirect contact with the crime scene. Improved techniques for glass analysis mean more reliable results for use in a court of law.'

According to Frank Vanhaecke, an expert in LA-ICP-MS techniques at Ghent University, Belgium, 'This is a workable method for systematic interpretation of measurement data which importantly includes a "recipe" for reaching conclusions about the data presented.'

In Vanhaecke's view the importance of the work is that the conclusions drawn by Berends-Montero are systematic and well described. Only then 'can the capabilities of LA-ICP-MS in forensic research be exploited to their full extent and the results obtained used by the courts,' he suggested.

'The method is not limited to matching glass fragments,' said Berends-Montero, 'many other materials can be matched by this technique including inks, paper, metals, paint chips, drugs, hairs and fibres'.

Janet Crombie