[White Paper] Precellys for Forensics and Mass Spectrometry

In today’s forensic investigations, mass spectrometry is deeply woven into the analysis of traces and materials. Rather than acting as a separate technique, it naturally supports the forensic process by revealing the molecular composition of tiny samples found. Its high sensitivity makes it possible to detect drugs, toxins, or subtle chemical variations in matrices such as, biological residues, and more. By converting chemical signatures into clear, interpretable data, often alongside chromatographic separation, mass spectrometry helps investigators to clarify events. It has become an essential extension of forensic reasoning, turning minute chemical details into solid, actionable proof.

The Precellys® range from Bertin Life Sciences is widely adopted in the forensic field, thanks to its precision in processing very small sample quantities, an essential requirement in forensic investigations, and its proven reliability in achieving consistent homogenization. Its broad selection of lysing kits, capable of handling sample volumes down to less than 10 mg per tube, highlights the remarkable adaptability of the Precellys instruments. This versatility is a key asset in a discipline as demanding and exacting as forensics.

This white paper summarizes several forensic studies that relied on the Precellys range to prepare diverse types of samples for mass spectrometry. It highlights the critical role of high-quality sample preparation in generating the reliable, accurate data required by professionals working in such a demanding field.