Forensic Experts

Put Our Forensic Expertise to Work for You

Chemical Analysis of Unknown Materials

By The Forensic Experts Group

NOT YOUR TYPICAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS LABORATORY

Unlike most analytical laboratories that provide routine chemical testing services i.e. analysis of materials based on standard methods, our experts specialise in the non-routine testing of unknown materials and substances. Our forensic background enables us to assist our clients and add-value to different stages of their enquiry/investigation.

Scope of analysis for unknown substances Gas chromatography

An unknown sample is typically submitted for:

  1. Identification(qualitative determination)
  • What is the identity of the unknown sample?
  • Is it a pure substance or a mixture?
  • Was the bulk contaminated by a foreign material?
  1. Comparison with a sample from a known source.
  • Example 1: Goods were stolen from a warehouse. Could the unknown sample have originated from the warehouse?
  • Example 2: Person A possesses a substance which visually resembles the unknown sample. Could the unknown sample have originated from Person A?
  • Characterisation of the unknown sample and the sample from the known source and their comparison provides vital links between them.
  1. Quantitation
  • How much of substance X is present in the unknown sample?
  • Most requests for the analysis of unknowns are qualitative in nature. In some cases, the amount of each component in a mixture may be required.
  1. Investigative leads
  • Provision of leads for investigators by providing answers to the following questions:
    • Where did the unknown substance originate from?
    • What is the chemical reactivity, compatibility and stability of the unknown substance?
    • At which stage of the overall process did the unknown substance contaminate the bulk?
    • What is it used for?
    • Who has access to such a substance?
    • Does the substance pose a health hazard?

CHEMICAL TESTING SERVICEScounterfeit drugs

Chemical testing services offered by TFEG includes but are not limited to the following:

  • Adulterants in food
  • Counterfeit products
  • Contaminants in pharmaceutical products, fuel oils,
  • Damage analysis (Cause of damage, Tampering vs wear and tear)
  • Unknowns stains, liquids, powders, materials

We are able to conduct trace or bulk analysis, work with complex sample matrices, contaminated or non-pristine samples etc.

To find out more, drop us an email at enquiries@forensicexperts.com.sg or call us at 6459 0494

Read more: