Our Mission

To promote the forensic application of isotope ratio mass spectrometry and allied or ancillary disciplines.

Mode of operation to achieve the mission

• Bringing together all those involved in the forensic process with other scientists who employ IRMS in their own fields and facilitating exchange of information between all parties.
• Raising awareness among investigators, lawyers and policy makers of the potential of IRMS in forensic science, crime detection and reduction.

Key objectives

• To develop the Network as a means of information exchange between members
• To define and encourage good practice and promote regulation
• To identify needs for development of IRMS as a fit-for-purpose forensic tool and facilitate such developments
• To inform decision makers

PT Scheme

The FIRMS PT Scheme consists of one round of analyses per year, of two different materials. These materials are tested for homogeneity prior to shipping. Participants are given approximately 6 weeks between material distribution and the deadline for result submission. Results should be submitted as 10 replicate analyses for each isotope ratio for each material with a “nominated” laboratory result consisting of the mean of these replicates together with an indication of the uncertainty in this value (at a minimum the standard deviation of the replicates).

While material selection is controlled by the FIRMS Steering Group, the PT results are collated by LGC PT. LGC PT’s scope of accreditation includes the FIRMS PT scheme.

In providing the PT, LGC PT acts as a sub-contractor. However, as a PT provider accredited to ISO/IEC 17043, LGC PT is responsible for the quality of PTs which are part of the FIRMS scheme. To be clear, FIRMS is not accredited for the provision of PTs, LGC PT is.