2002 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 89-94
The well-established method of gunshot residue (GSR) particle detection by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) is generally employed in both the examination of the suspect and the target area. In this study, we would like to introduce a simple and rapid technique as a new strategy for collecting of GSR particles for detection by SEM/EDX. This method involved sucking the GSRs by a suction apparatus and trapping them on small areas of double-sided adhesive tape in a novel GSR collector. Collection of GSR particles using a suction method with this novel GSR collector was compared to the direct tape-lift technique from a practical point of view. The direct tape-lift technique is difficult in concentrating GSR particles as a result of an accumulation of extraneous material. This new method proved more efficient than using the tape-lift technique. From the findings in this study, it seemed that the most efficient way of collecting GSR particles is by using the newly suction method with a novel GSR collector.
