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Contrast Enhancement of Cyanoacrylate-Developed Latent Fingerprints Using Biological Stains and Commercial Fabric Dyes

NCJ Number
134447
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1992) Pages: 99-105
Author(s)
J B Kempton; W F Rowe
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Because cyanoacrylate-developed latent fingerprints may be difficult to see or photograph if they are on light-colored surfaces, biological stains and Rit fabric dyes were tested for their ability to stain cyanoacrylate-developed latent fingerprints.
Abstract
Latent fingerprints were placed on various substrates, including polyethylene dinner plates, Styrofoam cups, a porcelain bowl, textured Formica, latex paint chip samples, aluminum beverage cans, and sheets of paper. Latent fingerprints were developed with cyanoacrylate ester (Elmer's Wonder Bond) in a modified fish tank, using a 40-watt light bulb as a heat source. All surfaces were exposed to cyanoacrylate vapor for 40 minutes to ensure complete development of the latent fingerprints. It was found that methanolic solutions of gentian violet, safranin bluish stain, diamond fuchsin, methyl green, iodine green, and Janus green B stained cyanoacrylate-developed fingerprints on polyethylene, porcelain, and aluminum beverage cans. Hot (60 degrees Centigrade) aqueous solutions of seven different shades of Rit fabric dyes stained cyanoacrylate-developed latent fingerprints on polyethylene, porcelain, aluminum beverage cans, and Styrofoam cups. Latent fingerprints stained with safranin bluish stain were strongly fluorescent under 312 nm ultraviolet light, while latent fingerprints stained with gentian violet and diamond fuchsin were weakly fluorescent. 16 references and 7 figures (Author abstract modified)

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