Forensic Science & Biotechnology
Name: __________________________ Date: ___________
WKST 4-4: Latent Print Lifting/Processing
Fill out the chart below using the information from the different latent processing methods.
Application
DUSTING
Powders
(Magnetic, Black,
White, Silver)
CHEMICAL
1. SuperGlue
Fuming
2. Iodine
Fuming
3. Ninhydrin
4. Silver
Nitrate
Adheres to
what in the
print…
Print color
developed
Surfaces
Examples
2
NaCl(s) + AgNO3(aq) 
+ NaNO3(aq)
Super Glue Fuming (Cyanoacrylate)
Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) fuming, one of the most
frequently-used latent print processing technique, was
developed in the 1970’s. Used on virtually all non-porous
surfaces including, glass, leather, metal, coated papers, and all
forms of plastic. The Super Glue vapors, when heated, react
with the amino acids, proteins and fatty acids in the print
leaving behind a polymerized white, hardened, permanent,
print. Most pieces of evidence are placed in the super glue
chamber and a small amount of super glue is placed on a
metal tray and heated. It is very toxic and must not be
inhaled. Right: a print developed in a super glue chamber
Follow-up Questions:
1. Why are there different types of dusting powder? Explain their purpose.
2. List the lifting technique you would use next to each piece of evidence:
a. Toaster: ____________________________________________
b. Ransom Note: _______________________________________
c. Gun: _______________________________________________
d. Shovel: _____________________________________________
e. Pop bottle: __________________________________________
f.
Highly sensitive legal document: _________________________
g. Glass cup: ___________________________________________
h. Inside of a rubber glove: ________________________________
3. Why do you think the Super Glue Fuming is the most frequently used method?
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