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Back to the OSAC Lexicon

Control Sample

material of established origin that is used to evaluate the performance of a test or comparison. 

DISCUSSION—A control sample should not be confused with a comparison sample. For example, in fire debris, a control sample could include an empty can from the same lot as that used to collect samples.

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