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Comparison Sample

fire debris, (1) a sample of material collected from a fire scene which is, to the best of the collector’s knowledge, similar with respect to relevant characteristics to a sample suspected of containing ignitable substance, but which is not expected to contain an ignitable substance; (2) a sample of suspected ignitable substance submitted for the purpose of comparing with any ignitable substance separated from a debris sample. 

DISCUSSION—A comparison sample should not be confused with a control sample. For example, a comparison sample might include unburned carpet or flooring that meets the requirements in (1).

DISCUSSION—Although, in theory, the use of comparison samples can help clarify the presence of a suspected inherent ignitable liquid, the presence of an ignitable liquid in a comparison sample does not necessarily mean it is inherent to the material.

Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E3197-23 Standard Terminology Relating to Examination of Fire Debris. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2023. Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be purchased from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org