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Getting the Most From Cyanoacrylate Dyes

NCJ Number
140866
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 43 Issue: 1 Dated: (January- February 1993) Pages: 37-43
Author(s)
H Cummings; M Hollars; T Trozzi
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
In recent years, latent fingerprint examiners have been able to improve the development of latent fingerprints on plastics, metal, and other non-porous surfaces through a process known as cyanoacrylate fuming, which uses fumes produced by either methyl or ethyl cyanoacrylate esters.
Abstract
However, the polymerized latents are sometimes difficult to detect and preserve. But the cyanoacrylate fuming process in combination with fluorescent dyes produces an effective enhancement technique. These formulations provide excellent fluorescence, require substantially less dye stain, dry quickly, and need little or no rinsing. The authors recommend in particular RAM, modified RAM, or MRM 10 for the best overall fluorescence, but note that Ardrox, Rhodamine 6G, MBD, and Yellow 40 alone may yield better results. Combinations of different dyes should be tried to eliminate interference from background fluorescence and give better contrast. Future research should concentrate on testing other existing fluorescent dyes in fingerprint detection procedures.