NCJ Number
218564
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2007 Pages: 358-369
Date Published
May 2007
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article describes how to use a boiling technique to recondition friction ridge skin in order to obtain quality friction ridge detail impressions.
Abstract
The boiling technique works best on damaged friction ridge skin suffering from advanced decomposition and maceration. The boiling technique is most effective for reconditioning the dermal skin, but it has been used on epidermal skin. The supplies and protective equipment needed to perform the boiling technique are listed followed by a step-by-step description of the boiling technique. The first step of the technique involves visually examining the friction ridge skin and removing any contamination present on the skin. Next, an electric hot pot with water should be filled with enough water to completely submerge the hand into the pot. When the water starts to boil, unplug the hot pot and submerge the hand for 5 to 10 seconds. If the hand has any cuts or lacerations, the examiner should not place the hand in boiling water but should instead soak a sponge with boiling water and let it wash over the hand. Once the hand has been exposed to boiling water, the skin should become taut and the friction ridges should be clearly visible. Dry the friction ridges using a blow dryer before using black fingerprint powder and adhesive lifters to record the friction ridge impression from the hand. The boiling method was used successfully on hundreds of bodies recovered and processed in the months following the South Asian tsunami. Contact information is offered for further information. Figures, references