NCJ Number
133492
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 41 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1991) Pages: 429-436
Date Published
1991
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article illustrates the method and results of the modified ruthenium tetroxide application procedure (RTX), a viable method to obtain the benefits of ruthenium tetroxide fuming as a sensitive latent print development technique without the risk of explosion.
Abstract
RTX produces stable, dark colored latent print ridge detail on a variety of surfaces. Although RTX should not be regarded as a routine replacement for any existing conventional technique, it provides a simple and inexpensive supplemental process that may be included in examination sequences. RTX does not require the mechanical and potentially detrimental transfer with individuals of light-colored skin, and latent prints developed by RTX are stable as developed. Porous surface processing with RTX needs to be done before the use of DFO (1,8-Diazafluoren-9-one) or ninhydrin. The order of RTX in sequential processing for non-porous items is determined according to the solvents and rinses used in dye staining after cyanoacrylate fuming that may dissolve oils or sebaceous residues. On some nonporous surfaces, RTX may interfere with cyanoacrylate, Genitian violet, or other methods. 8 figures and 6 references