Arson Analysis by Automated Thermal Desorption-GC/MS

If a fire's ignition is suspicious, the analysis will include gas chromatography (GC) as a means to detect the presence of a liquid accelerant; this analysis may include mass spectrometry (MS) as the initial detector or as confirmatory analysis. For sample preparation, coupling the GC/MS with a Thermal Desorber provides additional benefits, the main one being the elimination of solvents, reducing associated hazards and costs - no solvents to buy, no waste to dispose of, no spills to prevent.

Also, as with all forensic analyses, the data generated in arson analysis must be legally defensible - this creates the need for duplicate sample analysis as well as sample archival.