ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 7

Contrast Enhancement of Cyanoacrylate-Developed Latent Fingerprints Using Biological Stains and Commercial Fabric Dyes
Kempton, JB
Graduate student and professor, The George Washington University, DC

Rowe, WF
Graduate student and professor, The George Washington University, DC

(Received 15 March 1991; accepted 14 May 1991)

Abstract

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. Methanolic solutions of gentian violet, safranin bluish stain, diamond fuchsin, methyl green, iodine green, and Janus green B were found to stain cyanoacrylate-developed fingerprints on polyethylene, porcelain, and aluminum beverage cans. Hot (60°C) aqueous solutions of seven different shades of Rit® fabric dyes were found to stain cyanoacrylate-developed latent fingerprints on polyethylene, porcelain, aluminum beverage cans, and Styrofoam cups. The latent fingerprints stained with safranin bluish stain were strongly fluorescent under 312 nm ultraviolet light; latent fingerprints stained with gentian violet and diamond fuchsin were weakly fluorescent.

Keywords:
forensic science, fingerprints, dyes, cyanoacrylate

Paper ID: JFS13216J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13216J
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