NCJ Number
186430
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2000 Pages: 1299-1302
Date Published
November 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a method of collecting gunshot residues from the skin of persons who have been injured by firearms.
Abstract
To avoid removing samples of human skin tissue, a series of experiments were performed to find a method suitable for transferring gunshot residues (GSR) from the skin to a carrier. A commercially available transparent, adhesive plastic film (available at bookstores) was used in this experiment. An ordinary permanent felt-tip marker pen of any color can be used to mark the location of the gunshot wound and other anatomical fixed points on the nonadhesive side of the polymer film. All reagents used were the standard chemicals used by the laboratory for the Modified Griess Test (MGT), Copper-Nickel Test (KTM), and Sheet Printing Method (SPM or the modified MSPM). The procedure for shooting distance determination was the same as that used for clothing. MGT was, however, conducted in the reverse order, because the adhesive plastic film is not permeable to vapors (vapors from the acid solution). When lead-free primer ammunition for use in indoor ranges was involved or when Winchester or Federal's lead-free ammunition was used, the SPM and the MSPM test were not necessary; the MGT and particularly the KTM tests generally gave good results for short shooting distance. If the type of ammunition is unknown, all three chemographical tests must be performed. Some factors that obstruct the use of this method are the presence of large amounts of blood in the injured area or when the body is wet or washed prior to examination. This method is also useful for collecting gunshot residues from other objects, such as leather. 6 figures and 15 references