DART Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Analysis
Workshop Curriculum

August 12-13, 2008
National Forensic Science Technology Center
Largo, Florida

Team Name Contact Information
Workshop Leader Roger Jones jonesrw@ameslab.gov
515-294-3894
Workshop Instructors: Robert Cody cody@jeol.com
978-536-2396
  Robert Steiner robert.steiner@dfs.virginia.gov
804-786-4707 ext. 22347
  Peter Stout pstout@rti.org
919-316-3450
Workshop Overview

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce the student to the multiple applications of direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometry (MS) within forensic analysis. The student will receive a general introduction to DART MS as well as instruction on its application in the fields of drug analysis, forensic toxicology, trace evidence analysis, and ink analysis. The workshop includes both lecture and laboratory sessions to illustrate the applications presented.

The general introduction will include mass calibration and deriving elemental compositions from the observed spectra. The drug analysis instruction will include collision-induced dissociation (CID) MS and library searching to identify drugs. The toxicology module will cover both urine and blood screening techniques. The trace evidence session will include explosive residue on common items and tricks for identifying unknown materials. The ink analysis module will include dealing with interference from paper and the effects of age of the writing.
Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this workshop, the participant will be able to:
  • Describe the general principles of DART MS
  • Process DART-MS data, including mass calibration
  • Determine elemental compositions from spectra
  • Prepare diverse samples from the fields of toxicology, drug analysis, trace evidence and question documents for DART-MS analysis
  • Perform CID MS with the DART instrument
  • Develop drug screening methods using DART-MS
  • Use mass spectral libraries to identify unknowns

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