Stains come in all different types, forms, shapes, sizes, odors, textures, and colors. You can find them on the carpet, upholstery, furniture, walls, windows, countertops, clothing, even on your food. Our stain identification analysis is a very useful tool that can solve a multitude of investigative inquiries related to esthetics/quality, forensic detective work, or simply eliminating odors that pose indoor air-quality issues.

 

The information gathered during the initial examination is paramount when designing the analytical plan that will be used to identify the stain. Stain identification investigations typically start with a basic examination of the stain while still on the surface to determine important parameters such as  the size, the shape (geometric design, irregular, line pattern), color, texture (gum, waxy, sticky), location on the surface, interactions stain/substrate, pH (litmus test), smell and/or taste, and the history of the stain when possible.

 

The typical analytical techniques used in stain investigations involve an array of instrumentation including light and electronic microscopy, elemental analysis by energy dispersive x-rays, infrared spectroscopy, Gas or Liquid Chromatography, and/or selective chemical tests. Once the stain is identified by appropriate techniques, a proper decision regarding the options to eliminate the source(s) of the stain can be made with confidence.