Pseudo-operational trials of Lumicyano solution and Lumicyano powder for the detection of latent fingermarks on various substrates

This study presents pseudo-operational trials comparing a one-step f luorescent cyanoacrylate process with a number of other enhancement techniques on a variety of substrates. This one-step pro- cess involves a product, 4% Lumicyano, which is a solution consisting of 4% by weight of a powdered dye (Lumicyano powder) dissolved in a cyanoacrylate-based solution (Lumicyano solution). The cyanoacrylate in the Lumicyano solution may be of a higher quality than that used in the two-step products. One hundred items were collected from the place of work for each trial. Trial 1 involved a comparison of 4% Lumicyano with the conven- tional two-step cyanoacrylate fuming-dye staining for the detection of latent fingermarks on plastic carrier bags. Trial 2 assessed the quality of the Lumicyano solution (with no powdered dye) but used in a two-step process with basic yellow 40 (BY40). Trial 1, using 4% Lumicyanopowderandtraditionalcyanoacrylate�→�BY40�detected� a similar amount of fingermarks (~295); however, sequential BY40 treatment (i.e., after 4% Lumicyano) detected an additional 30% marks. Trial 2 resulted in the detection of 565 marks after Lumicyano solution� →� BY40� incomparisonto� 489� marksaftertraditional� cyanoacrylate fuming and BY40 staining. Trials 3 through 5 com-