GSR Proficiency Testing Scheme
PT scheme on gunshot residues for forensic laboratories worldwide
The international GSR proficiency testing (PT) scheme for the detection and classification of gunshot residue (GSR) particles by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) is conducted on behalf of the ENFSI Expert Working Group Firearms/GSR.
In the GSR PT Scheme, synthetic samples carrying particles typical of GSR (containing lead, barium and antimony) are prepared and shipped to participants. Laboratories analyze the samples with their own SEM/EDS procedures, following ASTM E1588-25 for automated GSR detection and classification.
Effective January 1, 2026, the GSR PT scheme is no longer organized by quo data Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement und Statistik mbH (also known as QuoData) but is managed and coordinated by QD Labs LP.
QD Labs LP is a globally recognized provider of proficiency testing schemes and is accredited by ANAB in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043:2023.
What this change means for you
- Up to date accreditation – The GSR PT scheme complies with the latest requirements of ISO/IEC 17043.
- Expanded expertise – QD Labs LP brings broad experience in proficiency testing across a wide range of measurands.
- Seamless continuity – All timelines, sample materials, reporting formats and portal functionality remain unchanged.
Role of QuoData
From 2010 to 2025, QuoData 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 ENFSI.
Since 2026, QuoData has acted as an external service provider and continues to handle the following tasks
- Procurement, assessment, and storage of sample material
- Logistics and distribution of the samples
- Statistical analysis and generation of the final report of results
- Operation of the web portal for online data entry
Thus, only the organizational structure of the PT scheme has changed; QuoData remains actively involved in supporting the processes mentioned above.
Benefits of participating in the annual rounds of the GSR PT scheme
- Advanced sample material that enables a comprehensive assessment of your laboratory’s performance
- Web based tool for internal quality control (included)
- Active support from members of the ENFSI expert working group Firearms/GSR
- ANAB accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17043:2023
Enrollment for the GSR PT round 2026
If you would like to participate, you can go directly to the product page in the QD Labs webshop.
Further information about the GSR PT scheme and the current PT round as well as in particular the ANAB accreditation certificate can be found here.
From the April 2016 Final Meeting of the international PT on Forensic Determination of Shooting Distance organized by QuoData and held at the QuoData head office in Dresden.
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 2025 and the "standard GSR sample".
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.