Casework assessment of an automated scanning electron microscope/microanalysis system for the detection of firearms discharge particles

Kee, Tan; Beck, Conrad

doi:10.1016/s0015-7368(87)72771-6

Cited by 18 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…with sodium-rhodizonate or with ICP-MS, XRF, NAA or AAS, the EDX-analysis in a SEM is commonly used (e.g. [1][2][3]). Most of these analytical methods try to confirm the presence of specific heavy metal remains from the primer of a cartridge (i.e., particulate metal condensates).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of gunshot residues – The influence of weapon type

Ditrich¹

2012

Forensic Science International

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of gunshot residues – The influence of weapon type

Ditrich¹

2012

Forensic Science International

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“…The main disadvantage of gunshot residue (GSR) particle analysis utilizing SEM/EDX has been the excessive operator time required for search and identification. An automated particle search and characterization program allows for an operatorfree method of reliable gunshot residue particle detection and an improved analyst-time-per-case ratio (457)(458)(459). Methods of extraction of GSR swabs for determination of antimony, barium, and lead by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) have been reported.…”

Section: Forensic Biochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Water analysis

MacCarthy¹,

Klusman²,

Rice³

1989

Anal. Chem.

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“…After calibration, validation and quality control are satisfied [4], automated search software is the standard tool to analyze iGSR samples since year 1987 [5,6]. As key advantages, these tools help bypass the need for a microscopy operator throughout sample scanning and the bias associated with manual particle search, hence allowing standardized and more exhaustive analysis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

False‐negative probability in the SEM/EDS automated discovery of iGSR particles: A Bayesian approach

Onetto

Edgardo²,

Pregliasco

2023

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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The automated search software integrated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) has been the standard tool for detecting inorganic gunshot residues (iGSR) for several decades. The detection of these particles depends on various factors such as collection, preservation, contamination with organic matter, and the method for sample analysis. This article focuses on the influence of equipment resolution setup on the backscattered electron images of the sample. The pixel size of these images plays a crucial role in determining the detectability of iGSR particles, especially those with sizes close to the pixel size. In this study, we calculated the probability of missing all characteristic iGSR particles in a sample using an SEM/EDS automated search and how it depends on the image pixel resolution setup. We developed and validated an iGSR particle detection model that links particle size with equipment registers and applied it to 320 samples analyzed by a forensic science laboratory. Our results show that the probability of missing all characteristic iGSR particles due to their size is below 5% for pixel sizes below 0.32 μm2. These findings indicate that pixel sizes as large as twice the one commonly used in laboratory casework, that is, 0.16 μm2, are effective for initial sample scanning, yielding good detection rates of characteristic particles that could exponentially reduce laboratory workload.

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Casework assessment of an automated scanning electron microscope/microanalysis system for the detection of firearms discharge particles

Cited by 18 publications

References 3 publications

Distribution of gunshot residues – The influence of weapon type

Distribution of gunshot residues – The influence of weapon type

Water analysis

False‐negative probability in the SEM/EDS automated discovery of iGSR particles: A Bayesian approach

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