What are the methods most commonly used for confirmatory testing?

Confirmatory testing in forensic science is essential for accurately identifying substances. The most reliable methods for this type of testing are sophisticated analytical techniques that provide definitive evidence regarding the composition of a sample.

The combination of chromatography, mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, and wet chemistry allows for highly precise analysis of substances. Chromatography is widely used for separating components of a mixture, letting analysts isolate the target compounds effectively. Mass spectrometry compliments this by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio, helping identify the specific molecules present in a sample based on their unique mass spectra. Capillary electrophoresis is useful for separating ionic species by their charge and size, making it advantageous for analyzing small biomolecules or drugs. Wet chemistry techniques can involve various chemical reactions to observe changes, further confirming the identity of substances.

Together, these methods provide a robust framework for confirmatory testing, ensuring that the results are accurate and can stand up to scrutiny in a legal context. In contrast, other options mentioned do not offer the level of reliability needed for confirmatory testing, as they may lack specificity, sensitivity, or reproducibility.