ToF-SIMS application in the visualization and analysis of fingerprints after contact with amphetamine drugs

Forensic Sci Int. 2009 Jan 30;184(1-3):e24-6. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2008.11.003. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

Abstract

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry was applied in forensic research for characterization, visualization and analysis of fingerprints left after the fingers were contaminated by traces of drugs: amphetamine (AF), methamphetamine (MA) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy). Experimental work was carried out using four kinds of bases (steel, aluminium, brass and glass) on which fingerprints were imprinted. The results of our preliminary studies have demonstrated that the ToF-SIMS technique can be a powerful tool in chemical investigations of fingerprints and detection of traces of substances, which do not exist in natural skin extraction, but can be found at the crime scene.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum
  • Amphetamines / chemistry*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / chemistry*
  • Copper
  • Dermatoglyphics*
  • Glass
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Steel
  • Surface Properties
  • Zinc

Substances

  • Amphetamines
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Steel
  • brass
  • Copper
  • Aluminum
  • Zinc