Gunshot Residue Testing with the Phenom ParticleX GSR Desktop SEM

The role of advanced GSR analysis in forensic science

In high-profile criminal cases, forensic scientists are tasked with linking a suspect to a shooting incident. Traditional methods of gunshot residue (GSR) analysis, such as colorimetric tests and atomic absorbance spectroscopy, can be time consuming, expensive, and often inconclusive due to environmental contamination and the need for large sample sizes.

 

The Thermo Scientific Phenom ParticleX GSR Desktop SEM combines scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to help overcome these challenges. It offers high-resolution imaging and precise elemental analysis, crucial for identifying GSR particles.

The Phenom ParticleX GSR Desktop SEM can streamline the entire process. The built-in automated particle analysis software helps you efficiently scan and analyze samples. And its ability to detect and differentiate particles based on their unique morphological and elemental characteristics significantly reduces the risk of false positives.

 

GSR samples can be collected using a simple tape lift-off method and placed on aluminum SEM stubs with carbon adhesive. The SEM's large sample capacity and automated scanning capabilities allow for continuous analysis, so no critical evidence is overlooked. The software's dual thresholding feature and automated feature analysis (AFA) enable rapid yet accurate scanning, highlighting potential GSR particles for further examination.

 

With the Phenom ParticleX GSR Desktop SEM, you can quickly generate detailed reports, complete with micrographs and EDS spectra of detected particles. This robust, non-destructive method preserves samples for potential reexamination, ensuring the integrity of evidence.

 

The Phenom ParticleX GSR Desktop SEM’s high accuracy and reliability help you provide compelling evidence that can link a suspect to a firearm discharge. This technological advancement not only expedites investigation but also can play a pivotal role in securing a conviction, underscoring the critical importance of accurate and reliable analytical tools in forensic science.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.