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Use of Ninhydrin During Fingerprinting.

Ninhydrin is a chemical that is commonly used in forensic investigations to develop latent fingerprints on porous surfaces, such as paper, cardboard, and fabrics. The process involves spraying or brushing ninhydrin onto the surface containing the latent fingerprints, which reacts with the amino acids present in the fingerprint residue, causing it to turn purple.

The following are the steps involved in using ninhydrin to develop latent fingerprints:

  1. Prepare a solution of ninhydrin by dissolving it in a solvent, such as acetone or ethanol.
  2. Apply the solution to the surface containing the latent fingerprints using a spray bottle, brush, or dip method.
  3. Allow the surface to dry and react with the ninhydrin for several hours, or overnight.
  4. Heat the surface, either by hanging it in a heated chamber or using a heat gun, to accelerate the reaction and darken the developed prints.
  5. Examine the surface under a light source, such as a UV lamp or a bright light, to visualize the developed prints.
  6. Use a fingerprint lift tape to remove the developed fingerprints from the surface.
  7. The developed fingerprints can then be analyzed and compared to known fingerprints in a database or from a suspect.

Ninhydrin is a widely used and effective method for developing latent fingerprints on porous surfaces. However, it does have some limitations, such as the inability to develop fingerprints on non-porous surfaces, the potential for false positives, and the fact that it can be toxic and must be handled with care. Overall, ninhydrin is an important tool in the forensic investigation of crimes and the identification of suspects.







 

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