Name: JOAN GRACE T.

SENDRIJAS Date: DECEMBER 22, 2023

Laboratory Work 5: GUNSHOT RESIDUE ACTIVITY

A. BASIC PARAFFIN (TEST) CASTING PROCESS

I. PURPOSE:
 To learn the proper technique of taking paraffin casts as a means of extracting the
nitrates residues form the hands of the subject.
 To determine the presence of nitrates through diphenylamine examination.

II. DISCUSSION:

It is common nowadays that criminal homicides, resulted from the use of

firearms, so that Law Enforcement Officers always encountered firearms in criminal
investigation. Investigation often need to know the following:
 They want to know and prove whether a person recently fired a weapon with his
bare hands. This information can make it possible for investigators to distinguish
between murder and suicide. The suspect’s and victim’s left and right hands
dorsal aspect is subjected to Diphenylamine-Paraffin tests. The theory of the
paraffin tests or the dermal nitrates tests is that when a person fired a gun or when
a black powder explodes there are certain amount of gases and a mixture of
burned residue and a partially burned particles which escape around the breech of
the gun. These particles strike the exposed surface of the hand holding the
gun/firearm and become embedded on the pores of the skin.
 Another is the distance a firearm was held from the victim at the time it was
discharged. The size and density of a pattern of gunpowder residue found on the
garment are principal factors used in ascertaining the distance between the muzzle
of the gun and the victim at the time of the firing. The presence of carbon collar
on the clothing of the victim would indicate the entrance of the bullet.
  Also important is to prove that the alleged firearm used in the shooting has been
recently fired.

III. MATERIALS:

a. Paraffin wax e. Bunsen burner/electric stove

b. Casserole
c. Cotton
d. Forceps

IV. PROCEDURE:

A. TAKING OF PARAFFIN CASTS:

 Wash the hands of the subject with tap water, do not use soap, then air-dry the
hands.
 Melt the paraffin wax using an electric stove, then cool to the temperature, the
hand can bear.
 Marked two (2) bond papers separately “left hand and right hand” and the name of
the subject., then place hands flat with palms down on the table.
 Using a forceps and a piece of cotton, drop the melted paraffin wax on the hands
from the height of at least 15 inches. Cover the surface of dorsal aspect by thick
coating of the paraffin from the wrist joint to the fingertips.
 Place a thin layer of cotton over the paraffin.
 Drop another amount of hot paraffin on the cotton layer and press gently with a
piece of cotton to even the surface.
 Lift off the casts gently after the paraffin has set and cooled.
 Wrap the casts in a clean sheet of bond paper and place inside the envelope with
markings.

V. CONCLUSION:
1. Why are subject’s hands washed before performing the paraffin casting?
Hand washing before doing a paraffin casting ensures cleanliness and keeps impurities
from affecting the procedure. Maintaining clean hands lowers the possibility of bringing
in microorganisms or extraneous objects that could compromise the precision and
quality of the cast.

2. What is the purpose of placing a thin layer of cotton between the two paraffin layers?
There are several uses for placing a tiny layer of cotton between two layers of paraffin.
It could serve as a wick, making it easier for molten paraffin to move between layers
and improving the general performance of some appliances, such as heat packs or
candles. Furthermore, even burning or heating can be promoted and structural
integrity can be preserved by the cotton layer. The details vary depending on the
application's context
3. Why is melted paraffin wax allowed to drop from a certain height and not just rub over the
skin?

This helps shield the skin from burns and pain by gradually cooling the wax before it
comes into contact with it. Dripping from a height also guarantees an even and uniform
application, which improves the whole experience.

4. In the interpretation of diphenylamine test results, what are the factors to be considered?
The diphenylamine test is frequently used to find substances that contain nitrogen, such
nitrate and nitrite. When interpreting the results, one should take into account the
reaction mixture's color change, potential interferences, and making sure the test
conditions—such as pH and reaction time—are appropriate.

5. Explain briefly the purpose of the diphenylamine – paraffin tests.

To find out if a sample contains nitrates or nitric acid, do the diphenylamine-paraffin
test. Sulfuric acid and diphenylamine are added to the sample, which causes it to turn
blue when nitrates are present. This shift in color aids in the detection of nitrate
compounds and has multiple uses, such as explosives analysis and soil testing

6. Is diphenylamine-paraffin tests a conclusive test? Please justify.

The diphenylamine test, which is frequently combined with paraffin testing, is not
seen to be definitive in and of itself. It can reveal whether or not nitrates are present in a
sample, but it cannot precisely identify the component. For a definitive study of the
chemical under investigation, confirmatory procedures like spectroscopy or
chromatography are usually required.
 NARRATIVE REPORT

The paraffin test, also referred to as gun residue examination, is a forensic method used to find out
if someone has gunshot residues (GSR) on their hands. In criminal investigations, this technique is
essential in assisting law enforcement in determining whether an individual has recently discharged a
firearm. When conducting forensic investigations to ascertain whether a person has recently fired a
firearm, the paraffin test is essential. The importance, technique, and constraints of the Paraffin Test in
forensic science are examined in this essay. In criminal investigations, paraffin test analysis is crucial for
connecting a suspect to a shooting occurrence. These substances which come fr om the primer and
propellant of bullets can be extremely useful in establishing a link between a suspect and a
crime scene.

Investigators gather samples for a paraffin test by using a paraffin wax-coated pad to swab a
suspect's hands. The residue sticks to the wax and is made up of bullet fragments, propellant,
and primer particles. Using methods like energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning
electron microscopy, distinctive elements like lead, barium, and antimony are identified in a
subsequent laboratory examination.

The paraffin test has limits even with its usefulness. False positive results may result from
exposure to gunshot residue in the environment, from handling other firearms, or from contact
with contaminated surfaces. Furthermore, neither the discharge time nor the distance from the
handgun are specified in the test.

In conclusion, the paraffin test is an important tool in forensic research, but it's important to
interpret the results carefully. Although it offers useful evidence, other investigation techniques
should be used in conjunction with it to provide a complete picture of a crime scene. The goal
of ongoing research and developments in forensic technology is to improve gun residue
examination accuracy and dependability, which will aid in the pursuit of justice in criminal
situations
 .

GROUP 4