ASTM E1588-20

Standard Practice for Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This document will be of use to forensic laboratory personnel who are involved in the analysis of GSR samples by SEM/EDS (5).  
5.2 SEM/EDS analysis of GSR is a non-destructive method that provides (6, 7) both morphological information and the constituent elements detected in individual particles.  
5.3 Particle analysis contrasts with bulk sample methods, such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) (8), neutron activation analysis (NAA) (9), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), where the sampled material is dissolved or extracted prior to the determination of total element concentrations, thereby sacrificing size, shape, and individual particle identification.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS). The analysis is performed using automated software control of both the SEM and EDS systems, to screen the sample for candidate particles that could be associated with GSR. Manual control of the instrument is then used to perform confirmatory analysis and classification of the candidate particles. This practice refers solely to the analysis of electron microscopy stubs (1).2  
1.2 Since software and hardware formats vary among commercial systems, guidelines will be offered in the most general terms possible. For proper terminology and operation, consult the SEM/EDS system manuals for each instrument.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (Practice E2917), and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Sep-2020
• ICS: 11.020 - Medical sciences and health care facilities in general
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.01 - Criminalistics

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1588 − 20 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning Electron
1
Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1588; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice covers the analysis of gunshot residue
(GSR) by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS). The analysis is performed
using automated software control of both the SEM and EDS E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
Continuing Education, and Professional Development
systems, to screen the sample for candidate particles that could
be associated with GSR. Manual control of the instrument is Programs
thenusedtoperformconfirmatoryanalysisandclassificationof
3. Terminology
the candidate particles. This practice refers solely to the
2
3.1 Definitions:
analysis of electron microscopy stubs (1).
3.1.1 stub, n—sample device with an adhesive surface used
1.2 Since software and hardware formats vary among com-
to collect materials for SEM/EDS analysis.
mercial systems, guidelines will be offered in the most general
3.1.2 characteristic particles, n—particles that have compo-
terms possible. For proper terminology and operation, consult
sitions rarely found in particles from any source other than
the SEM/EDS system manuals for each instrument.
GSR.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.3 consistent particles, n—particles that have composi-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
tions that are found in GSR and also arise from other
standard.
non-firearm sources.
1.4 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Particles within this group are pro-
abilities acquired through education, training, and experience
duced through the operation of a variety of processes,
(Practice E2917), and is to be used in conjunction with
equipment, or devices and can be found in the environment
professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-
with varying levels of frequency.
specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.
3.1.4 commonly associated particles, n—particles have
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
compositions that are also commonly found in environmental
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
particles from numerous sources.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.4.1 Discussion—When present in addition to particles
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
that are characteristic of, or consistent with, GSR, or both,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
these particles can be of use in the interpretation of a
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
population of particles and, consequently, the likelihood that
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
that population is GSR. In isolation, however, such particles
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
have little use in examinations for GSR.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5 morphology, n; morphological, adj—referring to size,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
shape, structure, and texture.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Particles composed of high mean atomic number ele-
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
mentsaredetectedbytheirSEMbackscatteredelectronsignals
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2020. Published September 2020. Originally
3
approved in 1994. Last previous version approved in 2017 as E1588 – 17. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/E1588-20. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
this standard. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Un
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1588 − 17 E1588 − 20
Standard Practice for
Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning Electron
1
Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1588; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray
spectrometry (SEM/EDS) using manual and automated methods. The analysis may be performed manually, with the operator
manipulating the microscope controls and the EDS system software, or in an automated fashion, where some amount of the
analysis is controlled by pre-set software functions.(SEM/EDS). The analysis is performed using automated software control of
both the SEM and EDS systems, to screen the sample for candidate particles that could be associated with GSR. Manual control
of the instrument is then used to perform confirmatory analysis and classification of the candidate particles. This practice refers
2
solely to the analysis of electron microscopy stubs and does not address sample collection (1).
1.2 Since software and hardware formats vary among commercial systems, guidelines will be offered in the most general terms
possible. For proper terminology and operation, consult the SEM/EDS system manuals for each instrument.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This practice cannot replace
knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience and should be used in conjunction
with sound professional judgment.
1.4 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (Practice
E2917), and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgment by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills,
and abilities.
1.5 This practicestandard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user when applying of this practicestandard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvi-
ronmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2017Sept. 15, 2020. Published February 2017September 2020. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous version approved in 20162017
as E1588 – 16a.E1588 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/E1588-17.10.1520/E1588-20.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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E1588 − 20
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:Definitions:
3.1.1 stub, n—sample device with an adhesive surface used to collect materials for SEM/EDS analysis.
3.1.2 characteristic particles, n—particles that have compositions rarely found in particles from any source other source.than
GSR.
3.1.3 consistent particles, n—particles that have compositions that are also found in particles from a
...