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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Standardized Method for Measuring Collection Efficiency from Wipe-sampling of Trace Explosives
Published on: April 10, 2017
Stubs versus swabs? A comparison of gunshot residue collection techniques
Lisa Reid1, Kal Chana, John W Bond
1School of Chemistry, University of Reading, PO Box 224, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, UK. l.c.reid@reading.ac.uk
Abstract:
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.
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