NCJ Number
217116
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 57 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2007 Pages: 54-68
Date Published
January 2007
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Results are presented from preliminary tests of a new reagent (eosin Y) for the enhancement of latent blood prints.
Abstract
The test overall results from using eosin Y were good. No differences were found in the development of features between old (28 days) and fresh (1 day) latent blood prints. Red, clear prints were developed on all the items tested; however, red surfaces were not included in the experiment. Blood prints developed with various blood concentrations yielded similar results. Blood prints placed on rough, unfinished wood did not develop continuous ridge detail, as only outlines of the impressions were observed. Generally, smoother surfaces yielded better ridge detail. Eosin Y is generally used as a chemical dye solution. It binds to the protein molecules in blood and produces a colored complex. Eosin Y reacts with the heme moiety of the hemoglobin molecule in red blood cells. An oxidized reaction, catalyzed by the heme, converts leucoeosin Y to a red, oxidized form of eosin Y has worked well in the enhancement of blood prints. The treatment surfaces used in the experiment were paper, unfinished wood, finished wood, painted woods, plastic notebook covers, glass sheets, and metal sheets. This paper describes the preparation of the eosin Y stock solution and the details of the experiment. 2 figures and 3 references