The Dermo-Test (Paraffin Test)

This term refers to the procedures aimed at determining the

presence of evidence that shows the use of a firearm by
a determined individual, that is to say, one who tends to verify the existence of remains
of shot products in the hand of the alleged shooter.

Legal value of the Dermo-Test:

As its name indicates: "DERMO" = Skin and "TEST" = test or trial, this
technique involves performing practice operations on the skin of the hands
of the alleged shooter, which, due to the use of reagents that may in
certain cases result in aggressive effects on the skin, even causing some type of
injuries are carried out by means of procedures for transferring those remains
to other supports.

The first of these supports, which still today has not been replaced with
success by others that are used as an alternative was paraffin, which is why
this procedure was also known by the name of 'TEST OF THE
PARAFFIN.

A positive result in this type of studies, if it was conducted using the technique
suitable, the specific reagents and a correct interpretation of their
results, will allow us to assert the recent use of a firearm by
part of the individual who underwent the test, while a result
negative does not rule out the possibility that the suspect may have used a weapon, already
that the shooting debris is deposited superficially on the skin, so
which are removed through a vigorous wash with soapy water or some active agent
effective.

Regarding the conduct of this type of testing on corpses, it must

It should be taken into account that it will have to be done as quickly as possible.

possible since the trial results may be masked by the

products / of cadaveric decomposition.
 1

For the reasons stated, we can assure that in these cases it is perfect.
application the famous phrase attributed to Dr. EDMOND LOCARD, Chief of the
Scientific Police Laboratories of Lyon, France and considered the father of
Modern Criminalistics, which stated: "In criminal investigation, time
"What happens is the truth that flees."

Methodology to be used:

Studies conducted by various researchers have established that the

back of the hand, especially corresponding to the thumb and
index, as well as the area between both fingers, appears more
densely covered by the debris projected by the shooting. The amount
deposited depends on the type of weapon, detonator, gunpowder, number of shots,
elapsed time between the shot and the collection of the sample. Long guns
they leave little residue.

The residue on the hand of someone who has fired a firearm consists of
small irregularly shaped spheres made of metals and metal oxides
melted and other compounds originated from the thermal decomposition of gunpowder
and of the detonator. These are very small diameter particles that are distributed
on the surface of the hand, generally not very visible, but that can
to reveal itself through highly sensitive micro-analytical resources.

Ultimately, the investigation of gunpowder or detonator residues on the hands

it is used to determine if an individual has fired a weapon. Positive responses
they indicate that the shot has been recent. While the existence of residues in the
mangas, indicates that a weapon has been discharged but does not allow for establishment

firm conclusions about the shooting time.

The paraffin test consists of applying paraffin with a nylon brush.

of good quality melted at the right temperature over the hand area
mentioned/ (thumb and index and middle part).
 2

Once the paraffin is solidified, a mold is obtained. The hot paraffin causes expansion.
from the pores and slight swelling, which means the particles settled on the skin are
transferred and retained upon solidifying it.

The inner part of the mold, which would contain the particles or residues, is treated with
the Griess reagent that is added drop by drop using a pipette, trying to
distribute it over the entire exposed surface.

The presence of nitrite ions is revealed by the appearance of small dots of

red color. This essay has been critically evaluated having proposed the
modification of the original technique by replacing the diphenylamine reagent
sulfuric (specific to nitrates, a common substance in the environment because
many other compounds contain it), by the reactive solution composed of
Alpha-naphthylamine and sulfanilic acid in acetic medium, developed by Griess as
specific in the research of Nitrates, present in the remnants of gunfire.
firearms as a product of the degradation of gunpowder and not common in the
usual environment although yes in the decomposing organic matter.

Likewise, it should be noted that the use of paraffin as a medium of

transfer of gunpowder residues and other shooting debris, results from
application almost mandatory, as a means of collection (support) of said waste,
for processing by other techniques, some of them very sophisticated, that
including nuclear activation analysis, absorption spectrophotometry
atomic or scanning electron microscopy.

The method to be followed in this type of research includes the following

steps:

Sample extraction: without a doubt, the taking of samples in this

research, as in many others, is of capital importance, and the support of
The previously mentioned paraffin has several advantages, such as being very accusatory.
low levels of barium and antimony compounds, responsible for allowing
excellent essays that even infer the use of A.P.A.N.

(Neutron Activation Analysis) and scanning electron microscopy, among

Others; furthermore, it is necessary for the layer of paraffin to be sufficiently thick.
so that it does not break when removed from the hand.

Moreover, it is noteworthy that even in cases of corpses, several can pass

days between the moment of death and the carrying out of the relevant tests, without
to affect the effectiveness of the proposed method for detecting shooting residues.

There are also other lifting techniques using adhesive tapes, being
It is very important that, in a small area, the greatest amount is concentrated.
possible particles, indicating for this purpose ribbons 1.5 cm wide and 6 to 10
cm long with enough adhesive material. It is indicated to place the part
the average of the tape over the sector of the hand that contains the highest density of
particles; allowing several surveys to be conducted in this way to cover the
maximum possible surface area. The same operations must always be performed on
the two hands of the suspect, even in the case of having knowledge about the
hand used to operate the weapon. It is necessary to clarify that this technique
must be considered as an alternative, since the results achieved will be
always superior using paraffin.

• Identification of nitrites: On the medium used as support for

the transfer of the shot remains is carried out to search and identify
nitrites by the Walker technique which has already been explained in the development of
present work.

A chromatic image is obtained that corresponds to the location of the particles.

from nitrite (from the gunpowder residue) distributed according to the weapon used, etc.

Finally, it should be remembered that to obtain reliable results and

reproducibles must be worked on under conditions of total 'asepsis' in the matter of
contaminations of nitrites unrelated to gunpowder, coming from the equipment
used in poor washing conditions, operators' hands not properly
brushing, or other causes that need to be eradicated.
This essay will be considered positive exclusively when points appear.
red or very small perfectly defined spots, being discarded when
the stains are extensive and diffuse, caused by:

Sometimes due to interfering substances or compounds, or already existing in the

hands of the suspect, or as a result of what is expressed in the previous paragraph.
It is noteworthy that even the pollutants that cause purely positive reactions
of nitrite ion, they do it in a zonal and diffuse manner, not in characteristic spots
as those observed in these analyses.

This critical evaluation of the results obtained must always be carried out.
objectively by the criminal investigator, the only responsible and capable for
determine such extremes. Always, this is axiomatic, must be carried out
simultaneously blank tests on the instruments, supports, and reagents
using; carrying out the actual analyses on/both hands of the shooter.

It will be interpreted that this research methodology does not have nor intends to have the

scientific hierarchy of other essays such as the A.P.A.N., electron microscopy of

sweeping, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, etc., for example; however
acceptable results can be achieved. Resulting in mandatory application as long as
no better techniques are available.

Expertise in shot trace analysis.

Evidently, the Trigger Trace Analysis (T.T.A) came to aid the

administration of justice, as in ancient times the rudimentary test was practiced
of paraffin, and it is from the 1970s, specifically in the year 1977, that it
Rojas Ochoa points out, 26 when the Department of Analytical Sciences of the
Laboratories "Ivan Getting" of the Aerospace Agency based in the State of
California puts this means of proof into practice, regarding a program of
assistance from citizen security agencies in the enforcement of laws
American
This program consisted of developing a particle analysis method in order to
solving problems related to analytical essays and instrumental methods
applied in the determination of traces, typical of shots from firearms, already
that those that previously existed were not reliable, this technique being developed
in the determination of components of the fulminate or explosive capsule that
they guarantee that a person has fired a firearm.

Indeed, hundreds of samples were processed in this laboratory, in support of

the police agencies that sent their requests together with the
containers that held the samples collected from people's hands
Suspected of having committed the crime.

Firstly, atomic absorption spectroscopy was used and the

flame emission spectroscopy, in the detection of residue from the primary explosive,

especially in Bario and Antimony, with certain limitations in the collection of the
samples And in the processing time; later in the year 1985 he made his
appearance of the Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer
X-ray dispersive (MEBEDAX) as an analysis tool for residues
originating from the detonating, not only from Barium and Antimony, but also from
Lead, also allowing to differentiate the way in which they are presented.
metals, which is a key characteristic to determine if the person
charged in a criminal act, fired a gun.

Definition of the ATD.

The Trigger Trace Analysis (T.T.A) is a scientific technical procedure of

certainty, used in order to demonstrate if a person has fired a firearm,
since it allows the detection of heavy metals, such as Barium (Ba), Lead (Pb), and Antimony

(Sb), coming from the detonation of the primer, through analysis that is
they are carried out through the energy-dispersive scanning electron microscope of
x-rays.
In this sense, Trigger Trace Analysis is a means of proof.
conclusive, it definitively determines whether a person has fired a weapon of
fire, due to having been detected in their hands, simultaneously the components
chemicals of a bullet's primer.

In summary, it is a means of evidence that contributes the scientific discipline of Ballistics,

criminal investigation process, very useful for clarifying the fact
investigated, as it together with other means of proof, allow
to provide certainty about what happened.

In this regard, when the shot is fired, the firing pin of the firearm strikes
about the detonator capsule of the

Process that gives rise to firing traces.

In this regard, when the shot is fired, the firing pin of the firearm strikes
about the primer capsule of the ammunition that serves as a starter, giving rise to
the explosion of its in the sublimation of the elements that make up the explosive,
that together with the deflagration of the gunpowder gives rise to a kind of
a cloud of particles surrounding the weapon rushes towards the shooter's hands
adhering to the epidermis, potentially reaching up to one meter in diameter in its
dispersion.

In this regard, in the composition of the bullet's explosive, there are the
following components:

The initiator is generally made of lead stibatite.

The oxidant, which can be a barium oxide or a lead oxide.

A fuel, primarily an antimony sulfide or calcium silicide or

lead thiocyanate or various powdered metals.

A sensitizer, like organic nitro compounds.

Samples for trace analysis of firing

To the individuals charged with criminal acts where weapons have been used
from fire, samples are taken in the dorsal area of the hands, preferably in
the back of the thumb and index fingers, including the area of the upper third of the
hand, with circular pins that have a material on their bottom
adhesive.

Indeed, with these pins, waste and remnants are collected and gathered.
substances produced in the detonations, in short, traces left by the action
from the shots. Which will be sent to the forensic laboratory,
specifically to the area of Electron Microscopy.

It is important that the person collecting the sample uses protective gear.
anatomical like latex gloves, I also preserved and ensured the chain of
custody, indicating the name, the date of the event, place, and date of the taking of the
sample, so that the specialist who is going to perform the test can obtain a
more information, which benefits the results of the expertise of
Trigger Trace Analysis.

Equipment for detecting trace evidence of gunfire

Upon receiving the collected samples on the adhering pins, they undergo analysis.
using a Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Analyzer
X-ray dispersive, as a sophisticated quantitative and qualitative technique that
allow the characterization of the elements that make up the capsule of the
fulminant.

Indeed, the collected sample is placed on a slide to be examined at

through the mentioned microscope, to establish its chemical composition, to
make the electron beam impact on them at different magnifications,
contrasts and sweeps, scanning the sample, with the purpose of capturing the
specific characteristics in the shape, size, and brightness of the elements
Components of the detonator capsule.
Ultimately, consequently with this scientific instrument, through the
residues left by the percussion of the primer, such as barium, lead and
antimony allows to determine with certainty if a person has fired a weapon
of fire.

Characteristics of A.T.D

It is practiced in cases where the use of weapons is involved

Of fire.

It is an analysis with advanced instruments, to carry out a

Quantitative and qualitative technique

In the execution of the analysis, the sample is not destroyed, that is,

Is there a possibility to retake the exam.

It is an analysis that allows the detection of heavy metals.

Components of the detonator. (Barium, Lead, and Antimony).

It is an effective means of proof, as this test jointly

With others, they determine the commission of the crime.

It is a means of proof of certainty, as it is a secure and provided proof.

scientific basis, as it allows for the localization of

Barium, Lead and Antimony, being a decisive test, since it is unlikely that
finding of these three elements as a whole, which by nature, shape and
size is unmistakable.

Observations on the paraffin test

It is appropriate to point out that prior to the Trace Analysis test
Shots, the paraffin test was routinely practiced; indeed, this means
traditional testing was used for much of the 20th century, which was not a
method of certainty but of simple guidance, which presents the following
characteristics:

It is a color appreciation test, without taking into account the size of the
particles nor the amount.

It is a destructive sampling procedure, as it allows only one to be performed.

time.

It is a test in search of nitrates resulting from the deflagration of the

gunpowder.

It is an ineffective test.

It is a test with a cognitive level of orientation that is insecure and devoid.

based on scientific evidence.

It is a test that is not specific for the nitrates released in the shots by
firearms.

Nitrate ion expertise

It is of great importance to know the usefulness for Forensic Ballistics of the

elements that are produced at the moment of firing a firearm that
find involved in the commission of a punishable act.

Indeed, when a firearm is discharged, two cones are originated.

deflagration or beam of fire, one before and the other after, through which they are going to

detach various elements, among which are the elements

nitrogen compounds, such as salts or esters of nitric acid that are of interest for the
expertise of Ion Nitrate.
Certainly, when the shot is fired, the gunpowder enters a state of
combustion or deflagration, releasing a large amount of nitrates (N03-) that
they will project onto the shooter's hand, their clothing, surfaces,
furniture or objects that have been near or in contact with the deflagration of the
powder load of a bullet and inside the firearm.

Nitrate ion test

The Nitrate Ion test in forensic science is a preliminary test.

that serves as a guide to the investigative and judicial process, of a certain probability that has

a firearm has been discharged due to the presence of gunpowder residues

deflagrated, through chemical analysis.

In this sense, both black powder and pyroxylin or modern smokeless powder,
made up of several organic esters of nitric acid, of simple base, of double
base or triple base with cellulose nitrate or nitroglycerin that upon entering a state

10

From the combustion caused by the percussion of the bullet's primer, there are released
large amount of nitrates.

Reagent used in the nitrate ion

To verify oxidizing nitrate ions, the Lunge reagent is used, which is a

chemical origin colorimetric test, with the evident result by a
coloration. This reagent consists of diphenylamine solution in sulfuric acid.
with distilled water, to qualitatively determine in the identification of ions
nitrates.

Nitrate ion in firearms

Indeed, when firearms have been used in criminal acts, it is

It is necessary to request and practice the expertise of oxidizing ions, nitrates, in order to guide.
and guide on the likelihood that the firearm subjected to the analysis has been
shooting.

In this sense, the internal parts of the firearm are analyzed, such as the bore.
of the cannon, the chamber, the firing pin, the closing plane, among other pieces, the
which is practiced maceration with swabs and distilled water, which subsequently
They will be subjected to the Lunge chemical reagent with the relevant observation.

Ion nitrate to the hands' mash

In criminalistics analysis, this technical procedure in the determination of

Nitrate ions are practiced in the orientation of verifying if a person possibly
Recently, he/she has fired a firearm.

Regarding this aspect, it is necessary to macerate with gauze and distilled water.
the hands of the person suspected of having fired both on the dorsal part
Like to be eliminated, which will then be subjected to the Lunge reagent.

11

This means of evidence, of macerating the hands, has been replaced by the analysis of
traces of shots

Nitrate ion in clothing

Undoubtedly, when an event occurs where firearms are discharged, the

clothing items are of great importance for conducting analyses of
oxidizing ions nitrates, both of the accused and of the victim, since this
can you indicate if the person has fired a firearm involved in an event
criminal or was in the area of the powder explosion in proximity to the
person who shot.

In affinity, a physical expertise on the garment is practiced first.

to dress, in order to determine charring, burns, gunpowder residues, by
effects of the instantaneous flare produced by the combustion of gunpowder,
using direct observation, conventional magnifying glasses, stereoscopic magnifying glasses,
high-tech lighting, among other equipment of physical interest; later
the colorimetric chemical test is performed with the aforementioned reagent.

Similarly, this expertise test is useful in crime scenes for

determine nitrated derivatives as a consequence of the expulsion of gunpowder,
both from the anterior cone and the posterior cone of the deflagration, being carried out
about surfaces that are in contact or in the vicinity, where it was
activated the firearm involved in a criminal act.

Cognitive level of expertise in nitrate ion

It is an orientation test, of medium reliability, with some probability of

that a firearm has been discharged, due to the determination of oxidizing ions
nitrates, which are a component of gunpowder.

12

This test medium is not certain, as it can yield positive results with others.
oxidizing agents, such as chlorates, bromates, iodates, permanganates,
vanadates, molybdates, ferric salts and chromates, which may be in the
substances such as rubber, fertilizers, some cosmetics, certain
foods, tobacco, nitrogen substances and detergents among others.

In this regard, Moreno González points out that this test has the disadvantage of
that the reagents used react generically with nitro compounds
and inclusive with substances that, although not nitrated, are eminently oxidizing.

In addition, for the assessment of this evidence, it is necessary to take

Other elements of conviction related to the criminal act, already
which obviously is a lone test, does not guarantee the certainty of having been fired a
firearm.
Expertise of nitrite ion (Walker test).

Evidently, when a shot is fired with a firearm, it releases

through the anterior and posterior cone, among other elements, potassium nitrite, such as
result of the deflagration of the gunpowder, leaving residues around the shot
and depending on the distance between the victim and the shooter, they can be deposited.
next to the entrance hole of the projectile.

Indeed, firing a shot involves the emission of substances that

originate the presence of nitrites, which adhere to the victim's clothing, from the
perpetrator or any intervening surface; in this sense, the Walker test
It can be used as an instrument of certainty to verify the elements
produced by the shot, which will guide about the distance between the diameter
distal of the canyon, that is, the mouth of the canyon and the contact surface.

13

Undoubtedly, Ion Nitrito's expertise, known as the Walker test, is

a colorimetric chemical experiment to detect nitrites (NO2-)
component of gunpowder, allowing the distance and position to be determined between the
shooter and the victim, which is significantly helpful in clarifying the event
criminal.

This process obtained through the nitrite particles revealed on the paper
sensitive photographic, the dimension and density of concentration can be observed
the gunpowder waste decreasing the density of nitrites.

Objective

The expertise of Ion Nitrito is fundamentally aimed at the identification.

in the victim's clothing of nitrites, around the entry hole
from the projectile, those that detach as a result of the deflagration of the gunpowder and have

How to determine if the shot was close or at a considerable distance.

Similarly, the geometric concentration of the points around the hole of

entry of the projectile fired by firearm can be concentric or
eccentric, will indicate the angle of incidence of the shot fired, it can be
determine if it occurred perpendicularly, upwards, downwards, from
left to right or vice versa.

Theoretical foundation

In this regard, Ion Nitrito's expertise has a theoretical foundation in

reaction, which is based on the diazotization of sulfanilic acid by nitrous acid
and its copulation of alpha naphthylamine to form a red azo dye

In this regard, Moreno González indicates that the chemical reaction that takes place
between alpha naphthylamine and sulfanilic acid with nitrites is highly
specific, by virtue of the fact that no other radical produces this reaction and that by
Therefore, it is not possible to obtain false positives.

14

It is pertinent to clarify, regarding this expertise, Montiel Sosa points out that in cases

positive results yield an orange, red, or pink dye, depending on the quality of the
gunpowder, through the application of reagents such as sulfanhydrazine and alpha-naphthylamine and

that it originated from the technique of Peter Griess in 1864, Mayer in 1884 and
Gatterman in 1890, who are the three main scholars that created the
technical foundation in the application of this expertise, Currently known as
the modified Walker test, in honor of J.T. Walker, who conducted it in 1937.

Conservation of clothing

The victim's clothing is of utmost interest for the expertise of Ion.

Nitrite, in cases where firearms are involved; the same
they must have special treatment for packaging and labeling collection, for
ensure and guarantee the respective chain of custody.
Indeed, for the execution of this procedure, the presentation and
conditioning of the victim's clothing, which must
to collect properly, it should be allowed to dry in the environment and the packaging
it should be separated, preferably in paper bags, and also introduce a
non-absorbent paper to separate the hole from the rest of the evidence.

In this way, when requesting expertise from the laboratory, it must be supplied
information if available, regarding the type of weapon fired, its ammunition, length of
the same, as this influences the results; consequently, the shorter the length
from the canyon, due to a shorter route, undoubtedly translates into a greater quantity
from shot residues.

Distance indicators through the nitrite ion

Precisely, the size and concentration density of gunpowder waste

in clothing, they are the primary factors for determining the distance
between the distal diameter of the barrel and the victim; in this regard, the greater the distance,

increases the dimension of the dispersion cone, but decreases the density of
concentration.

15

In this sense, the remains of fully or partially burned gunpowder behave

how micro projectiles until a point is reached where no residue remains
adhered. That point is the reference for calculating the shooting distance. It is
It is timely to note that these reddish colorimetric points cease to be present at a
distance greater than seventy centimeters.

Material to be used in the nitrite expertise

In this regard, Ramírez Pinto and Adolorara Casimirre point out that the materials and
reactives to be used in the expertise of Nitrite Ion or modified Walker test, are
the following:

➢Sensitive photographic paper. To sensitize (in a darkroom), it is placed in

contact for 15 minutes in a plastic tray the photographic paper with a
75% sodium thiosulfate solution (70.3g of sodium thiosulfate in 300 ml of
distilled water) wash with water and let dry.

Sterilized gauze

Disposable gloves

Plastic trays

Electric plant.

0.5% sulfanilic acid solution.

(0.5g of sulfanillic acid in 100 ml of distilled water).

Solution of alpha-naphthol at 0.5%.

(0.5g of naphthylamine in 100 ml of methanol).

20% acetic acid solution.

Extraction hood

16

Nitrites in firearms

On the other hand, through chemical analyses, the recent use of

a firearm, due to the effects of the shot, which is going to be revealed by the
presence inside of remnants of gunpowder, which has remained semi-burnt
or its residues, which are products of the deflagration of gunpowder, whose
Verification is required, first of all, to proceed with making an observation.
methodical and meticulous about the parts of the firearm, mainly the diameter
distal, the interior of the barrel, the chamber and chambers in the cases of revolvers,
being carried out with appropriate lighting and instruments such as lamps and magnifying glasses

stereoscopic.

Subsequently, the chemical examination is conducted, which involves the preparation

of the Jslovai - Islova reagent, or the Griess reagent, which includes the alpha solution-
naphthylamine, distilled water, glacial acetic acid and sulfanilic acid, to determine
Nitrite oxidizing ions, through coloring, due to their specificity and high
sensitivity to the presence of gunpowder residues. In short, this reagent is based on
in two solutions: one solution of alfanaftilamina in diluted acetic acid and the other
solution of Sulfanilic acid likewise in diluted acetic acid; which
mixed for the moment of carrying out the practice.

In derivation, the cotton swabs are moistened with distilled water and
perform the maceration in the internal parts of the weapon; then proceed to impregnate
and spray the swabs with the mentioned reagent, upon observing and evaluating the
color reactions, in case of positive indicate a light red or pink color,
depending on the quality of the gunpowder, other colorations, or the absence of color
indicates a negative result.

It is necessary to indicate that the verification of the presence of gunpowder residues, with the

the expertise of Ion Nitrito does not assert with certainty the date of the last shot, but yes
indicates that the weapon has been fired recently; likewise, this means of
test, it is more specific than Guttman-Lunge's test, which determines through
the formation of the color blue, the presence of nitrate residues, which
they are found in much of nature and the environment;

17

While the presence of remains or particles containing nitrites is not so

common in our environment, potentially found in organic matter
in decomposition or cadaveric putrefaction. Therefore, its use is not
recommended for cadavers and clothing with bacterial proliferation and
moldy. On the other hand, the absence of gunpowder residues does not reveal that the weapon of
fire may have been used recently, as it could have been cleaned up.
appropriate, to erase any trace that it has been fired.
weapon; then proceed to soak and spray the swabs with the mentioned
reactive, when observing and evaluating the color reactions, in case of a positive result indicates a

light red or pink, depending on the quality of the powder, others

Colorations, or the absence of color indicates a negative result.
 18

Index

Page

- The Dermo-Test (Paraffin Test), Legal value of the Dermo-Test…………........ 1

- Methodology to be used in the Dermotest.....................................2, 3 and 4

Expertise in shot trace analysis.................................................5

Definition of the ATD…………………………………………………………………………6

- Process what dan origin a the traces of

shot.................................7

Samples for trace analysis of shooting……………………………………7

Equipment for detection of shooting traces.............................................8

- Features of the ATD.................................................................8

- Observations a the test of
paraffin………………………………………………….9

Expertise and nitrate ion testing.

….10

- Reagent used in nitrate ion, Nitrate ion in firearms,

Ion nitrate al macerator of the

hands

Nitrate ion in clothing, cognitive level of the expertise of ion

nitrate

Expertise of nitrite ion (Walker Test)

13

- Objective, theoretical foundation………………………………………

14

- Conservation of clothing, Distance indicators through the ion

nitrite…………………………………………………………………………………….…..15

Material to be used in the ion nitrite expertise……………………………………….…..16

Nitrates in firearms………………………………………………………...17 and 18

Conclusion

The paraffin exam or the technique of PARAFINOSCOPY was the same as

used in laboratories especially for ballistics to investigate remains of
exploded gunpowder and this 'was a chemical analysis of paraffin gloves,' the
the same that consisted of applying wax or paraffin that was applied with the help of a
brush or by the drip system on the back of the person's hand that
supposedly fired the weapon, and then with the help of a gauze removed the
mold, skeleton, and support of the gauntlet, proceeding for the second time to put another one.
paraffin layer over the sterilized gauze to give the work consistency
of gunpowder fingerprinting, and its nitro derivatives which are also
compounds of all kinds of gunpowder that become infused in the wax that takes
a whitish color is a clear indication that it has cooled down, to proceed to remove it.
slowly and carefully the sample trying very carefully not to
contaminate, and when subjected to a chemical process that consists of subjecting to the
reaction of the diphenylamine reagent and with microscopic observation to obtain the
results the same that can be compared between the two remains or residues
of gunpowder, both from the hand and from the fired weapon, this examination can be
to be done within 24 hours after the weapon has been fired, for what reason
the person sweats, tries to clean their hands, or washes them.

Currently, there are many other scientific and technical exams.

advanced that serve as technical complements to a research that
they are part of the Police investigation and specifically for the
determination of the deflagration of gunpowder.

These tests can be performed thanks to Forensic Chemistry, with

the objective of stating with scientific rigor which weapon was used to carry out the o
the shots, that is to say to know WHO, HOW, WHEN, FOR WHAT and from
WHERE? those shots were fired.

Introduction

Forensic Ballistics encompasses a set of technical-scientific knowledge

and forensic sciences, which study firearms, their ammunition, movements,
range, effects and direction of its projectiles, in the same way it tries to
establish in the injuries or deaths caused by projectiles, how much detail
possible results about them and other circumstances that help or guide
the police and/or judicial investigation, contributing with the evidential elements
to establish a criminal fact. Hence the importance of studying the
Ballistics, since it is based on the demonstration of theidentityballistics that is
establishes between a firearm and its projectiles; therefore, it trains the
forensic science professionals, namely criminalists, who as
experts assist in criminal investigations by supporting the investigating body and by
ending up assisting the Public Ministry to substantiate the accusation. Likewise, in
the judicial aspect is important, as judges and lawyers require
technical ballistic knowledge to solve cases or disputes where
firearms are involved. Therefore, it is important to say that the
the participation of the expert or forensic specialist in Ballistics is advisable in the reconstruction of

the facts, in some cases, since their presence allows for an appreciation
more objective conditions and events. In this way, it will provide greater
elements forpowercarry out the preparation of the judicial report.