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Comparison of Ortho-Tolidine and Amido Black for Development of Blood-Based Fingerprints on Skin

NCJ Number
242079
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 62 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2012 Pages: 588-602
Author(s)
Alexandre Beaudoin
Date Published
December 2012
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the use of ortho-tolidine and amido black for the visualization of blood-based fingerprints on skin.
Abstract
After comparing the results obtained with ortho-tolidine and amido black for the visualization of blood-based fingerprints on pig skin, this study determined that ortho-tolidine, despite its highly toxic nature, remains the best technique to use. After testing various solutions, the study determined that the solution containing sodium perborate and the remainder of a luminol solution were successful at cleaning blood stained by amido black on nonporous surfaces. These two solutions were then tested on the pig skin. Some cleaning could be achieved on pig skin after a maximum of one to two minutes after treatment, leaving a faint, bruiselike stain on the skin. (Published Abstract)