Simple Histochemical Technique for the Identification of Gunshot Residue

• NCJ Number: 128916
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 543-547
• Author(s): D L Tschirhart; T T Noguchi; E C Klatt
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Alizarin red S (ARS) is a commonly used organic dye useful in the histologic identification of calcium deposits. ARS also forms colored reaction products with other metal ions, including barium and lead, which are present in primer residue.

Abstract

In histochemical studies, ARS is shown to identify primer residues from several manufacturers as well as primer residue deposited in tissue, either experimentally or in close-range gunshot wounds. This can be easily accomplished with routine histologic techniques. ARS does not stain gunpowder residue, tattoo pigment, melanin, graphite, india ink, or anthracotic pigment. 1 figure and 9 references (Author abstract)