NCJ Number
138909
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 42 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1992) Pages: 412-420
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and results of using the DAB (3,3'-diaminobenzidine) technique for blood fingerprint enhancement.
Abstract
The disadvantage of the more widely used blood reagents that are used to develop latent print deposits suspected of containing blood is that they are inherently impractical for crime scene applications. Many are cumbersome in preparation and include mixtures of toxic solvents and acids; most involve special application procedures and storage considerations. DAB technique, however, is adaptable to both crime scene and laboratory use. It is also comparatively economical, simple to prepare and use, and is mixed with distilled water. The DAB method requires a two-stage process that uses three pre-mixed stock solutions. The first stage is an application of solution A, a fixative that consists of 5-sulfosalicylic acid in distilled water, which is applied to the bloody impression. After a short period, stage two, the actual development or enhancement process, is accomplished with the use of a combination of solutions B (a phosphate buffer) and C (DAB and distilled water). With the incorporation of the MBD (7-methoxybenzylamino-4-nitrobenz- 2-oxa-1,3-diazole) agent with the DAB fixative solution, a very useful and distinct blood enhancement procedure is available that can be used alone or combined with the full DAB process to accommodate nearly all blood print situations. 4 figures and 6 references