Laboratory Report Sheet

Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology – 1st Semester, S.Y. 2024- 2025

Name: ___________________________ Date Submitted: October 16, 2024

Year and Section: BS Criminology 3-4 Date Performed: October 23, 2024
Group Number: Group 2 Score: ______________________

Experiment 3:
Fingerprinting

Objectives:
a. To evaluate the relative sensitivity and effectiveness of ninhydrin and iodine fuming
techniques in the development of latent fingerprints.
b. To analyze how well ninhydrin reacts with amino acids in the sweat residues of
fingerprints to make them visible on porous surfaces, such as paper or cardboard.
c. To investigate the mechanism by which iodine vapors temporarily bond with the oily
residues of fingerprints.
d. To demonstrate the correct procedure and techniques for performing ninhydrin and
iodine fuming in the development of latent fingerprints.

Data and Analysis:

Material Used Fingerprint Description

 The developed fingerprints exhibited clear and

well-defined ridge patterns
 The fingerprints displayed a dark contrast against
Sodium the background, with a blackish hue due to the
Carbonate, charcoal component, enhancing visibility.
Charcoal, and  Some prints showed minor smudging when applied
Talc with excessive pressure.
 The dusting method was effective on non-porous
surfaces, providing quick results.

 The developed prints showed clear patterns.

 The visibility was temporary, it began to fade shortly
Iodine Fuming after exposure to air and light.
 The fingerprints displayed a reddish-brown color
upon exposure to iodine vapors.
 It changes its color to black upon the application of
starch and water mixture.

 The developed fingerprints exhibited high clarity,

with well-defined ridge patterns.
Ninhydrin  The fingerprints displayed a vibrant purple color
 The quality of the developed prints was generally
excellent, with distinct details and minimal
smudging.
 The visibility of the developed prints remained
stable over time.
 Review Questions

Iodine Fuming

1. For what type(s) of specimen is iodine fuming best suited?

Iodine fuming is a widely utilized technique in forensic science for the enhancement of
latent fingerprints found on various surfaces, including footwear and tire treads. When
iodine vapor is applied, it interacts with the oils and other residues left behind by the
fingerprints, allowing them to become visible.

2. Is Iodine fuming normally the first method attempted for revealing latent prints? Why?

No, iodine fuming is generally not the first method used for revealing latent fingerprints,
as the prints developed through iodine fuming are temporary and begin to fade quickly.
For this reason, it is not ideal for long-term preservation of evidence. Typically, the
dusting method is the first technique used for revealing latent prints. It is more reliable for
producing clear, durable prints that can be easily documented and lifted from various
surfaces, making it a preferred choice in forensic investigations.

3. What other types of forensically significant prints might iodine fuming be used to
develop?

In developing latent fingerprints, iodine fuming can be used to reveal other forensically
significant prints which includes footprints, tire treads, palm patterns, and shoe prints.
These prints often contain natural oils, sweat, or residues that can react with iodine
vapor, making them visible for forensic analysis.

Ninhydrin

1. Which two common fingerprint development methods must be used before ninhydrin, if
they are to be used at all?

The two common fingerprint development methods that must be applied before ninhydrin
are iodine fuming and DFO (1,8-Diazafluoren-9-one). Iodine fuming is a non-destructive
technique that temporarily reveals latent fingerprints on both porous and non-porous
surfaces by reacting with the oils and fats in the print. DFO, on the other hand, is
typically used before ninhydrin due to its higher sensitivity in detecting amino acids,
producing fluorescent prints when exposed to ultraviolet light. Both methods should
precede ninhydrin because they are non-permanent and do not interfere with its ability to
develop clearer and more permanent results.

2. What four after-treatment methods are commonly used to enhance fingerprints

developed with ninhydrin?

The four common after-treatment methods for enhancing fingerprints developed with
ninhydrin are zinc chloride, heat treatment, humidity control, and reflective ultraviolet
imaging. Zinc chloride increases the contrast of fingerprints by reacting with the
Ruhemann's purple compound formed by ninhydrin, resulting in brighter and clearer
prints. Similarly, heat treatment enhances the color intensity of the developed prints,
 particularly on porous surfaces. Humidity control, on the other hand, speeds up the
reaction between ninhydrin and amino acids, further improving the visibility of the
fingerprints. Finally, reflective ultraviolet imaging causes fingerprints to fluoresce under
UV light, making it especially useful for examining faint or complex prints. Together,
these methods effectively improve fingerprint clarity when ninhydrin alone does not
produce sufficiently clear results.

3. Which, if any, of the after-treatment methods increased the detail visible in your ninhydrin
treated prints?

The after-treatment method that most commonly enhances the detail in ninhydrin-treated
prints is zinc chloride. By reacting with the Ruhemann's purple compound generated
during the ninhydrin reaction, zinc chloride effectively improves the contrast of the
developed fingerprints. As a result, this treatment yields prints that are not only brighter
but also clearer, making finer details more visible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the utilization of dusting, iodine fuming, and ninhydrin methods plays a
crucial role in revealing and developing latent fingerprints, each contributing uniquely to the
fingerprinting process. Dusting provides a straightforward way to visualize prints on non-
porous surfaces, while iodine fuming effectively highlights fingerprints on both porous and
non-porous materials through a non-destructive approach. Ninhydrin, on the other hand, is
essential for enhancing amino acid residues, leading to more detailed and permanent prints.

Furthermore, the significance of after-treatment methods, such as zinc chloride and

heat treatment, cannot be overstated; they substantially improve the clarity and detail of
developed prints. Together, these techniques not only enhance the forensic analysis of
fingerprints but also play a vital role in the administration of justice. By providing reliable
evidence, they contribute to uncovering the truth in criminal investigations, ultimately
ensuring that justice is served.
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Department of Criminology

FOSC 3: Forensic Chemistry

and Toxicology

Laboratory Report
Experiment 3: Fingerprinting

Group 2

Abas, Angel E.
Alayon, Leorey D
De Ocampo, Josh Zion P.
Inocencio, Axel Rose B.
Locaylocay, Ron Ivance D.
Maglabe, Mekaela Roseth T.
Molina, Julianne Maye A.
Romano, Angelica B.
Tolentino, Carlo Enrico N.
Zapanta, Jancel Mae R.
Sir Kim Beligon
Instructor