The influence of different skin types on GSR sampling by tape lifting for SEM analysis

In this study, the change in the amounts the gunshot residues (GSR) collected by the "swab" method from shooter's right hand was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to test dependency on various conditions (such as skin color of the shooter, various physical properties, hair density of hands, size of the hands, sweaty or creamy (oiliness) hands). As a result of the analysis, there was no significant difference in the amount of GSR according to skin color, however, there was a change in the amount of GSR depending on the physical characteristics of the shooter. These results thought to have practical benefits for the experts performing GSR analysis using the swab technique to assess the incidence.