Journal Published Online: 01 April 1986
Volume 31, Issue 2

Sensitivity Enhancement of Ninhydrin-Treated Latent Fingerprints by Enzymes and Metal Salts

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Lyophylized Sigma Type III trypsin has been applied to latent prints two weeks to two months old. This trypsin preparation eliminates the background problems that had been encountered with old prints in a previous study. Zinc chloride treatment of latent prints previously exposed to ninhydrin enhances their detectability upon laser examination. However, it has been reported that the zinc chloride reaction occasionally fails to occur. Accordingly, we have investigated the optimization of this reaction. We find that high humidity and elevated temperature, particularly the former, are needed. Cadmium nitrate, although it produces weaker fluorescence than zinc chloride, may at times be useful. Reaction conditions are much the same as those for zinc chloride.

Author Information

Everse, KE
Center for Forensic Studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Menzel, ER
Center for Forensic Studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12274J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12274J