Incorporating organic gunshot residue into the forensic workflow: A study of preservation and stability of the pGSR and OGSR

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q2 CHEMISTRY, ANALYTICAL

Forensic Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-03-22 DOI:10.1016/j.forc.2025.100651

Kourtney A. Dalzell , Thomas Ledergerber , Tatiana Trejos , Luis E. Arroyo

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In recent years, trace evidence examiners started to assess the value of incorporating two complementing analytical measurements: primer residue (pGSR) and organic gunshot residue (OGSR) data, aiming to strengthen firearms-related investigations. Still, there is a need to understand the cost-benefit of any method's modification for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the combined information. This study aims to answer practical questions concerning optimal storage conditions for OGSR and pGSR, the feasibility of sequential analysis on the same sample, and whether pGSR or OGSR should be analyzed first. Samples were collected from shooters (n = 128) using a standard carbon adhesive stub. The stability of OGSR and pGSR was evaluated at the time elapsed from collection at the scene until analysis at the laboratory (1, 2 days, 1, 2 weeks, and 1, 2, 6 months) and storage conditions (room temperature or freezer). The experimental design includes the effect of the analysis sequence by either liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) on the detection rates. The results indicate a multi-testing approach does not compromise the integrity of pGSR or OGSR evidence when following appropriate protocols. The detection of OGSR and pGSR is not significantly different at the studied storage conditions or times when samples are preserved in sealed SEM stubs. These findings may alleviate some concerns regarding the feasibility of conducting an OGSR examination on samples that cannot be submitted to the laboratory immediately after collection and assist agencies in establishing preservation, storage, and acceptance criteria for future adoption.

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来源期刊

Forensic Chemistry CHEMISTRY, ANALYTICAL-

CiteScore

5.70

自引率

14.80%

发文量

审稿时长

46 days

期刊介绍： Forensic Chemistry publishes high quality manuscripts focusing on the theory, research and application of any chemical science to forensic analysis. The scope of the journal includes fundamental advancements that result in a better understanding of the evidentiary significance derived from the physical and chemical analysis of materials. The scope of Forensic Chemistry will also include the application and or development of any molecular and atomic spectrochemical technique, electrochemical techniques, sensors, surface characterization techniques, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, chemometrics and statistics, and separation sciences (e.g. chromatography) that provide insight into the forensic analysis of materials. Evidential topics of interest to the journal include, but are not limited to, fingerprint analysis, drug analysis, ignitable liquid residue analysis, explosives detection and analysis, the characterization and comparison of trace evidence (glass, fibers, paints and polymers, tapes, soils and other materials), ink and paper analysis, gunshot residue analysis, synthetic pathways for drugs, toxicology and the analysis and chemistry associated with the components of fingermarks. The journal is particularly interested in receiving manuscripts that report advances in the forensic interpretation of chemical evidence. Technology Readiness Level: When submitting an article to Forensic Chemistry, all authors will be asked to self-assign a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to their article. The purpose of the TRL system is to help readers understand the level of maturity of an idea or method, to help track the evolution of readiness of a given technique or method, and to help filter published articles by the expected ease of implementation in an operation setting within a crime lab.