NFN - An Improved Ninhydrin Reagent for Detection of Latent Fingerprints

Abstract

A previous article in this bulletin1 described some aspects of the research programme being carried out at AWRE Aldermaston under contract to PSDB on chemical methods for the detection of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces with particular reference to new reagents and techniques. This programme also includes an evaluation of reagents already in current police use. The most important of these is ninhydrin. The recommended formulations and development conditions for this reagent vary widely and are often not optimum for achieving maximum detection efficiency. This article briefly describes a new formulation for the ninhydrin reagent (N.F.N.) which offers important advantages in sensitivity, low toxicity, non-flammability and good nonink-running properties. It has been successfully tested under operational conditions and is being recommended by PSDB for general police use. Some typical applications of the new reagent are discussed.