Introduction to ASTM E1388
To screen for the existence of ignitable liquid residues before extraction using other procedures, ASTM E1388 practice is beneficial for screening and analyzing fire debris samples to identify relative ignitable liquid concentrations and likely ignitable liquid classes. MaTestLab is one of the best testing service providers, with the best network of testing laboratories in the USA to carry out ASTM E1388 tests for our clients. It works best when sampling ignitable liquids with light to medium-range chemicals, and it works less well when sampling ignitable liquids with heavy-range compounds.
ASTM E1388 Test Method
| Heating of Headspace | To ignite any ignitable liquid that remains in the debris, the sample headspace is heated, ideally while it is still in its original container. |
| Headspace | Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is used to sample and analyze the headspace following heating for examination using the proper method |
ASTM E1388 Test Specimens
| Specimen Detail | ASTM E1388 works best when sampling ignitable liquids with light to medium-range chemicals. It works less well when sampling ignitable liquids with heavy-range compounds. |
| Specimen Size | A small aliquot of the sample is used |
ASTM E1388 Test Result
ASTM E1388 describes how to collect vapor from the debris container’s headspace to sample ignitable liquid vapor from fire debris samples. ASTM E1388 is applied to fire debris samples to detect or identify minute amounts of ignitable liquid residues.
ASTM E1388 Related Tests
ASTM E1388 is related to tests including ASTM E1386 for the separation of combustible liquids from fire debris, ASTM E1459 for the labeling of evidence, and ASTM E1492 for receiving and documenting evidence.
