NCJ Number
192045
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1447-1455
Date Published
November 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on experiments conducted to assess the danger of concealing gunshot residue (GSR) particles with skin debris using the tape-lift method for sampling GSR from hands.
Abstract
Thirty discrete spherical particles (from GSR and from the debris of oxygen cutting of steel), sized from 8 to 30 microns, were mounted on double-side adhesive-coated stubs in known locations by using a stereomicroscope. These stubs were then used for dabbing hands 50 times. The experiment found that there was no substantial danger of concealing GSR particles by continuous dabbings of hands up to 50 times. Some of the particles or parts thereof were covered by skin flakes; however, all particles could be detected by using the backscattered electron image in the scanning electron microscope. Also, all could be identified by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results of this study are consistent with the results of the previous work on the collection efficiency of GSR. Not all of the variables that could possibly affect outcome (e.g., the period between washing the hands and sampling) were examined in this study. The author intends to extend the study to smaller GSR particles, various adhesives, and other relevant variables. A study will also be conducted on other types of debris, such as hair and the debris that may be found on clothing. 11 figures and 13 references