Detection of gunshot residues on cadaveric skin using sodium rhodizonate and a counterstain

• Published in: Biotechnic & histochemistry Vol. 81; no. 4-6; pp. 151 - 156
• Main Authors: Zoja, R, Lazzaro, A, Battistini, A, Gentile, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa UK Ltd 01.07.2006; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Cadaver; Coloring Agents; Cyclohexanones; Forensic Ballistics; forensic histology; Forensic Pathology; gunshot residues; histochemistry; Humans; Indicators and Reagents; skin; Skin - chemistry; Skin - injuries; sodium rhodizonate; Staining and Labeling - methods; triphenylmethanes; Trityl Compounds; Wounds, Gunshot - pathology
• ISSN: 1052-0295; 1473-7760
• DOI: 10.1080/10520290601076745

We report a staining method for cadaveric tissue using sodium rhodizonate as a skin marker for gunshot residues and a counterstain for the surrounding connective tissue. We studied six well preserved subjects who had died of close range gunshot injury. Skin fragments were removed from the bullet entrance hole including both the disrupted area and adjacent macroscopically intact tissue. Because microscopic examination of postmortem material is difficult after histomorphologic alterations already have occurred as a consequence of postmortem tissue changes, it is necessary to use a staining method that, while detecting gunshot residues, can also make skin cell constituents recognizable from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Triphenylmethane dyes (acid fuchsin, aniline blue WS, light green SF yellowish, brilliant green and ethyl green) have proven appropriate for the purpose.