Organic gunshot residue analysis of shooting individuals using LC/MS-MS detection
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Authors
Ng, Gary
Issue Date
2008
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
The analysis of diphenylamine, a major component of organic gunshot residue, was performed under a variety of circumstances where the detection of gunshot residue 1s needed. Tests involving the detection of diphenylamine on the arm and shirt sleeve of the shooter and after hand washing were evaluated in this study using LC/MSMS.
After evaluating four areas of the arm and shirt sleeve, only the hand region and shirt sleeve exhibited significant levels of diphenylamine which meets the acceptance criteria of having a confidence level of 95 percent. A final study reveals that less than 5 percent from the original concentration of diphenylamine remains after hand washing.
The results of this study show that it is possible to detect diphenylamine on the hand and shirt sleeve of the shooting individual, and that diphenylamine can not be detected after the shooter’s hand has been washed.