William J. Wittenbrook

The Subcommittee discussed two validation summaries regarding the addition of novel psychoactive substances and novel benzodiazepines to existing quantitation and confirmation methods via LCMSMS. Additionally, a presentation was provided on the development of a base screen method aimed at establishing a unified approach for determining limits of detection.

The meeting included reports from various subcommittees regarding validation summaries for forensic methods in toxicology, controlled substances, trace evidence, and forensic biology. There was an extensive update provided on the ongoing corrective action process involving firearms proficiency testing and evidence handling. The Director reported on the completion of the Central Laboratory Capital Project, legislative updates concerning committee operations, and the implementation of new staff training modules. Additionally, the committee discussed the ongoing review of cases associated with Mary Jane Burton, finalized elections for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair, and reviewed proposed updates to the committee bylaws.

The meeting includes a discussion regarding the uXRF verification summary.

The meeting focused on the review of the µ XRF Verification Summary. The Principal Forensic Scientist provided an overview, leading to a detailed discussion among subcommittee members regarding sample size, thickness, and angle, as well as the reporting of limitations in the procedures manual. The subcommittee concluded the session by recommending the closure of the verification summary review, contingent upon further analysis of samples dissociated by size differences.

The Subcommittee held a validation discussion regarding the VeritiPro Thermal Cycler, including site-specific assessment studies for regional laboratories. Members discussed sample comparisons and variance models used in the studies and requested additional documentation be added as an addendum to clarify the necessity of re-validating STRmix. Additionally, the Subcommittee reviewed the performance check of the BSD600 Ascent A2 Instrument, specifically addressing questions about the age and type of samples utilized, before recommending the closure of the review of these validation studies.