NCJ Number
222348
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 364-368
Date Published
March 2008
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study's objective was to find more "true" dual reagents that could, in a single reaction, produce fluorescent impressions of latent fingerprints with sufficiently intense color to be observed by the naked eye.
Abstract
The study was successful in creating true dual fingerprint reagents that developed latent fingerprints on paper as colored impressions that also fluoresce in the visible domain. Pre-mixed solutions of 5-methylthioninhydrin (MTN) and 5-methoxyninhydrin (MN) with zinc or cadmium salts are true dual fingerprint reagents. These new formulations are superior to the previously reported dual reagent, Nin/ZNCl2 in all technical aspects. Their major advantages are fluorescence detection at room temperature; more intense color and much more intense fluorescence; and lower concentrations of the ninhydrin analogues. MTN dual reagents are comparable to DFO in the fluorescence mode, and are superior to DFO in producing colored fingermarks. A comprehensive study of the potential and advantages of MTN/metal sale reagent is underway. Genipin continues to be the dual reagent of choice for fingerprints on brown wrapping paper. This report provides detailed descriptions of materials and methods used, working solutions, amino acid stains and "depleted" fingerprints, development conditions, and light absorption and fluorescence observation. 4 figures and 20 references