NCJ Number
121212
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: (January/February 1990) Pages: 23-27
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Two commercial "liquid glove" products, Marlyskin and Metaflux-Manuprotect, were tested to determine the effect of hand treatment on latent fingerprint detection.
Abstract
Marlyskin, developed by Swedish chemists, consists of a stearate-propylene-glycerol-sorbitol polymer which reinforces the corneous layer of the epiderm. No information could be obtained on the composition of Metaflux-Manuprotect, produced by a Swiss company. Latent fingerprints were deposited on paper, plastic, and glass surfaces by a donor 30 minutes after the hands had been washed with soap and water, rinsed, and dried. The hands were again washed and dried and then treated with the "liquid glove" formulation. Half an hour after treatment, a second set of latent fingerprints was deposited on the same surfaces. Two days after being deposited, the latent prints were developed using conventional fingerprint detection techniques for print visualization. Prints deposited after treatment with "liquid gloves" were developed in a manner similar to normal latent prints deposited before the hand treatment. No significant differences in the sensitivity or quality of fingerprint detail were observed. The two "liquid glove" formulations both behaved in a similar manner, and did not appear to affect the quality and nature of fingerprint deposits. 5 figures.