Detection of Gun Shot Residues on the Swab Taken From Hands of a Shooter by Neutron Activation Analysis

Using a swabbing technique, attempts have been made to detect firearm discharge residues on the hand of a shooter via the elements NO2, Pb, Sb,Ba and Cu. Pb was quantitated by AA (Atomic Absorption Analysis Technique) and the rest of elements by NAA (Neutron Activation Analysis Technique) . Two variations of the swabbing technique have been tried which shown that the one involving the use of different swabs for different areas on the firing hand is superior to the other involving the use of a single swab for the entire area. Further work to improve the swabbing procedure is in progress.

Keywords:
Swab, Shooter, Neutron