Single-metal deposition (SMD) as a latent fingermark enhancement technique: an alternative to multimetal deposition (MMD)

Forensic Sci Int. 2007 May 3;168(1):e5-9. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.12.009. Epub 2007 Feb 1.

Abstract

This paper proposes an alternative solution to multimetal deposition (MMD) for the development of latent fingermarks on non-porous and porous surfaces. MMD offers a good sensitivity, however it is very time-consuming and requires many reagents to be carried out. Single-metal deposition (SMD) replaces the silver enhancement of the gold colloids by a gold enhancement procedure. This reduces the number of baths by one as well as the number of reagents and their cost, utilizes reagents with a longer shelf life, and most importantly reduces the labor-intensity of the procedure. It offers quasi-identical results to MMD and thus makes a very attractive alternative.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Dermatoglyphics*
  • Gold Colloid*
  • Gold Compounds*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxylamine*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Photography
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Gold Colloid
  • Gold Compounds
  • gold chloride
  • Hydroxylamine