In the course of this project, two model systems (GHB/GBL and textile fibers) will be used to present the suitability of stable isotope analysis (IRMS technology) in forensics, investigating criminal offences and thereby to solve additional criminal cases resulting in an increase of the safety of the Austrian population.
Model system 1: GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) and GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone) are substances that are often used in drug facilitated crimes such as sexual offenses or robberies. Due to the lack of detection methods and the short detection window of exogenous GHB (from the K.o. drugs) in the human body, many crimes can not be solved and the offenders are acquitted in doubt.
Model System 2: In crime scenes fiber traces are frequently found. The differentiation of fibers with the same morphological characteristics (eg. undyed cotton or cotton from blue jeans) is often not possible by conventional analysis / methodologies and therefore offenders cannot be convicted. The IRMS technology is expected to provide a substantial step forward by enabling the determination of the isotopic signatures in fibers with the same morphological features.
Currently the IRMS technology is not available for the investigation of criminal offences by Department of Forensic Services of the Criminal Intelligence Service in Austria. In this project, Imprint Analytics GmbH (know-how in the field of isotope analysis) and the Forensic Toxicology Dept. of the Medical University of Vienna (know-how in the field of drugs of abuse and GHB/GBL - detection) in collaboration with the Criminal Intelligence Service Austria (confiscated samples, forensic background-knowledge) will develop new methods that improve the identification and the elucidation of serious crime, making available new procedures of investigation and thus increasing the security of the population of Austria. Furthermore, the research platform Ethics and Law in Medicine of the University of Vienna, the legal and ethical aspects will be elaborated in respective to the lack to prove the administration of K.o. drugs.
Project leader:
Mag. Nadine Rathmanner, Imprint Analytics GmbH
Project partner:
Medizinische Universität Wien, Klinisches Institut für Labormedizin - Ass.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Thomas Stimpfl,
Bundesministerium für Inneres, Bundeskriminalamt - MMAg. Dr. Robert Hirz, Dr. Wolfgang Greibl
Universität Wien, Institut für Ethik und Recht in der Medizin - Dr. Maria Kleteka-Pulker
Contact:
Dr. Bernd Bodiselitsch, Mag. Nadine Rathmanner
Imprint Analytics GmbH
Werner von Siemens Straße 1
A-7343 Neutal
Tel.: +43 5 9010 8900
Fax: +43 2682-2057700 3995
E-Mail: bodiselitsch@imprint-analytics.at, rathmanner@imprint-analytics.at
Internet: www.imprint-analytics.at
