GSR Proficiency Testing Scheme
GSR Proficiency Tests
Since 2010, quo data Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement und Statistik mbH has independently organized and evaluated the annual rounds of the International Proficiency Testing Scheme for the Detection and Classification of Gunshot Residues ( GSR Quality Scheme) on behalf of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).
Thereby, quo data Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement und Statistik mbH is actively supported by members of the ENFSI expert working group "Firearms/GSR" as an advisory board.
In the GSR Quality Scheme, specific samples for the detection and classification of typical GSR particles (containing lead, barium and antimony) are prepared synthetically and shipped to the participants who use their laboratory-specific procedure for the automated detection of GSR particles via SEM/EDS according to ASTM E1588.
Based on the composition, location and size of the particles submitted by the participants, the correct detection and classification are evaluated and assessed by quo data Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement und Statistik mbH. Results from previous proficiency testing rounds can be viewed in the archive.
For accredited laboratories that have to attend an annual trace evidence proficiency test, this GSR Quality Scheme is particularly important – currently, there are no equivalent international quality schemes testing the laboratories’ proficiency in detection and classification of GSR.
Since April 2022, this worldwide unique GSR Proficiency Testing Scheme by quo data Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement und Statistik mbH has been accredited by the German accreditation body DAkkS according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010.
The accreditation is valid for the scope listed in the annex of the accreditation certificate D-EP-21563-01-00. By means of this accreditation, quo data Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement und Statistik mbH fulfils the requirements of ASTM E3255-21 Standard Practice.
The full scope of accreditation can be found in the DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010 accreditation certificate and it's annex.
GSR2023 - Current information
We are delighted that you are interested in participating in the 2023 GSR PT round.
From 13 January 2023 on, the enrollment for the 2023 GSR PT is possible until 30 April 2023.
Sample shipment is currently planned for 14 June 2023. We will keep you updated on any changes if necessary.
If you participated in a GSR PT round not before 2019, you can login and enroll here:
https://gsr.quodata.de/pt-participant/enrollment.
If you have forgotten your password, you can request a new password to be sent to your registered email address at any time.
Otherwise, please fill in the online application form provided here:
https://gsr.quodata.de/pt-participant/lab_applicant/add.
If your application was accepted, you will get an email with your login data and the link for enrollment. After successful enrollment, you will receive a confirmation email. Further information regarding online data entry will be sent together with the sample(s).
- Samples for the 2023 GSR PT round will be sent via FedEx Corporation, as in previous years.
- Reports are planned to be sent out on 29 September 2023.
- Detailed information for the 2023 GSR PT round is provided in the “GSR Call for Participation” document.
If you have any questions regarding the GSR PT scheme, please do not hesitate to contact us using the following email address: GSR-ENFSI-PT@quodata.de
General Information on Proficiency Testing
Introductory information, available in different languages:
Online GSR QC Analysis Tool
This web tool enables the automatic evaluation of uploaded quality control measurements of GSR PT samples from the years 2010 to 2021 and the "standard GSR sample" offered by PLANO GmbH.
Once you have imported your data a comprehensive PDF report is created as well as a dynamic chart which provides various selection criteria for a specific evaluation.
Open online tool