1.1 This guide covers the analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) by scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) by manual and automated methods. The analysis may be performed "manually," with the operator manipulating the microscope stage controls and the EDS system software, or in an automated fashion, where some amount of the analysis is controlled by pre-set software functions requiring little or no operator intervention.

1.2 Since software and hardware formats vary among commercial systems, guidelines will be offered in the most general terms possible. Each system's software manuals should be consulted for proper terminology and operation.