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Questions and Answers
What elements are typically found in primer residue?
What elements are typically found in primer residue?
- Antimony, nickel, and aluminum
- Lead, copper, and zinc
- Lead, barium, and antimony (correct)
- Barium, mercury, and silver
What is a characteristic appearance of particles that are consistent with primer residue?
What is a characteristic appearance of particles that are consistent with primer residue?
- Crystalline structure
- Amorphous solid structure
- Dendritic form
- Spherical or molten appearance (correct)
Which of the following can deposit primer residue on hands?
Which of the following can deposit primer residue on hands?
- Firing a weapon (correct)
- Using hand sanitizer
- Handling books
- Eating food
What circumstance could lead to a negative test result for primer residue?
What circumstance could lead to a negative test result for primer residue?
How many of the three elements are typically found in a particle characteristic of primer residue?
How many of the three elements are typically found in a particle characteristic of primer residue?
What is the significance of the absence of primer residue on hands?
What is the significance of the absence of primer residue on hands?
Which environmental factor can affect the presence of primer residue on hands?
Which environmental factor can affect the presence of primer residue on hands?
What can a negative result for primer residue indicate, excluding the absence of weapon firing?
What can a negative result for primer residue indicate, excluding the absence of weapon firing?
What should be done before collecting primer residue samples?
What should be done before collecting primer residue samples?
What is the optimal time frame for sampling primer residue after a shooting event?
What is the optimal time frame for sampling primer residue after a shooting event?
What type of bags should be used to secure a suspect's hands if transport is necessary?
What type of bags should be used to secure a suspect's hands if transport is necessary?
Why are primer residue particles on clothing challenging to analyze?
Why are primer residue particles on clothing challenging to analyze?
What should be indicated on the Analysis Information Form if the individual was unconscious?
What should be indicated on the Analysis Information Form if the individual was unconscious?
Which items will be analyzed for primer residue if collected from clothing?
Which items will be analyzed for primer residue if collected from clothing?
How long can primer residue particles remain on clothing, based on studies?
How long can primer residue particles remain on clothing, based on studies?
What specific method should be used when sampling the suspect’s hand?
What specific method should be used when sampling the suspect’s hand?
What does primer residue analysis help determine?
What does primer residue analysis help determine?
Why are primer residue kits from inanimate objects not routinely accepted?
Why are primer residue kits from inanimate objects not routinely accepted?
In which scenario is a primer residue kit most valuable?
In which scenario is a primer residue kit most valuable?
What happens if an individual is found in possession of a weapon?
What happens if an individual is found in possession of a weapon?
What should agencies do with primer residue kits from deceased victims?
What should agencies do with primer residue kits from deceased victims?
What should be done in case of extenuating circumstances regarding primer residue testing?
What should be done in case of extenuating circumstances regarding primer residue testing?
Why might microscopic primer residue particles be present on a victim’s hands?
Why might microscopic primer residue particles be present on a victim’s hands?
What is a common misconception about primer residue analysis?
What is a common misconception about primer residue analysis?
What surfaces are recommended for collecting primer residue samples?
What surfaces are recommended for collecting primer residue samples?
Where should sampling occur if the weapon was discharged inside a vehicle?
Where should sampling occur if the weapon was discharged inside a vehicle?
What should you do if submitting multiple items of evidence in a case?
What should you do if submitting multiple items of evidence in a case?
What is a crucial reminder regarding the analysis of primer residue?
What is a crucial reminder regarding the analysis of primer residue?
Which of the following areas is less likely to retain primer residue particles?
Which of the following areas is less likely to retain primer residue particles?
When using a Primer Residue kit, what must be changed on the kit before use?
When using a Primer Residue kit, what must be changed on the kit before use?
Why is it not necessary to submit multiple kits from a single vehicle?
Why is it not necessary to submit multiple kits from a single vehicle?
What is the purpose of correctly filling out the Primer Residue Analysis Information Form?
What is the purpose of correctly filling out the Primer Residue Analysis Information Form?
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Study Notes
Primer Residue Overview
- Primer residue is formed when a firearm is discharged, creating microscopic particles containing lead, barium, and antimony.
- These particles are typically spherical or molten and have a noncrystalline appearance.
- The presence of these particles on an individual's hands can indicate they fired a weapon, handled a weapon, were in the proximity of a weapon discharge, or came into contact with a surface containing residue.
- The examination cannot determine the relative likelihood of these possibilities.
Capabilities and Services
- The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) can determine the presence of primer residue on hands or other surfaces.
- DFS will not routinely analyze primer residue kits from gunshot victims, inanimate objects, or individuals found in possession of a weapon, as the information can be misleading or redundant.
Collection Guidelines
- Samples should be collected as soon as possible after the shooting event, ideally within 4-6 hours.
- Samples should be collected from the hands of a suspect using the specific instructions provided in the primer residue kit.
- Hands should be bagged with Tyvek® or paper bags to prevent loss of residue, securing the bags around the wrists with rubber bands or drawstrings.
- Samples should be collected from clothing that is similar to skin, such as leather, vinyl, or plastic.
- Samples can also be collected from vehicles suspected of being involved in a drive-by shooting, focusing on leather, vinyl, or plastic surfaces.
- Avoid sampling fabric surfaces, as fibers can interfere with analysis.
Submission Reminders
- Complete the Primer Residue Analysis Information Form to maintain a database and identify potential ammunition and weapons.
- Submit primer residue kits separately from other evidence to expedite analysis.
- Primer residue analysis should not be confused with a firing distance test.
Key Considerations
- The absence of primer residue on the hands does not rule out weapon firing.
- Factors like washing hands, wiping hands, wearing gloves, sweating, environmental factors, and debris can affect residue presence.
- Primer residue particles can be lost from the hands due to normal activity, reducing its effectiveness for analysis after a certain period.
- DFS will not routinely analyze samples collected from living individuals more than 8 hours after a shooting event unless extenuating circumstances exist.
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