Stubs versus swabs? A comparison of gunshot residue collection techniques

Reid, L., Chana, K., Bond, J. W., Almond, M. J. and Black, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1396-4821 (2010) Stubs versus swabs? A comparison of gunshot residue collection techniques. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 55 (3). pp. 753-756. ISSN 0022-1198 doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01332.x

Abstract/Summary

The collection efficiency of two widely used gunshot residue (GSR) collection techniques—carbon-coated adhesive stubs and alcohol swabs—has been compared by counting the number of characteristic GSR particles collected from the firing hand of a shooter after firing one round. Samples were analyzed with both scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-rays by an experienced GSR analyst, and the number of particles on each sample containing Pb, Ba, and Sb counted. The adhesive stubs showed a greater collection efficiency as all 24 samples gave positive results for GSR particles whereas the swabs gave only positive results for half of the 24 samples. Results showed a statistically significant collection efficiency for the stub collection method and likely reasons for this are considered.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/16189
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Chemistry
Publisher	Wiley-Blackwell
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