ASTM E3497-26

1.1 This practice covers procedures for collecting samples using SEM stubs from clothing, vehicles, and other inanimate objects that could have been exposed to primer gunshot residue (pGSR). This practice does not apply to the collection of pGSR from the hands or other body parts of a person.

1.2 This practice should be used by personnel who are responsible for collecting samples intended to be analyzed for the presence of pGSR.

1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 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.

1.5 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.

5.1 pGSR originates from the explosion of the priming mixture following ignition during the firearm discharge process. After a firearm has been discharged, residue can be found on exposed surfaces in the vicinity of the fired weapon (4, 5).

5.2 The most common reason for pGSR examination is to determine if an inanimate object was exposed to firearm discharge. Recovered pGSR can also provide information about the constituents of the priming mixture (4, 5).

5.3 This practice is applicable to the recovery of pGSR from objects in a controlled environment or location, such as a forensic laboratory, or in the field.

5.4 This practice provides recommendations to be followed in the collection of pGSR samples intended for forensic analysis.

5.5 This practice is intended to be used in conjunction with Test Method E1588 and Practices E1188, E1459, and E1492.