Ninhydrin is one of the best and
easiest methods for developing latent prints on paper, such as bad checks,
robbery notes, drug pay-and-owe sheets, and threatening letters. Many latent
print examiners use Ninhydrin exclusively on paper documents because it is
effective and/or they do not have the proper setup and/or Forensic Light
Source for using DFO.Mixing Ninhydrin crystals is very economical, as
little as 3.8 grams of crystals produce 2 liters of solution, and the shelf
life is indefinite. The solution can be swabbed, sprayed, or dipped in
solution for maximum saturation. Photograph the developed prints soon after
they become visible. Avoid handling the treated document, as new latent
prints may develop on the chemically-sensitive paper. Since the solvents are
hazardous, this solution must be mixed and used in a fume hood. View our
Technical Note for
more information.
Also, we are excited to tell you about the new 3M solvent to mix
Ninhydrin in. 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluid HFE-7100 replaces Freon which has
been determined to be a major environmental hazard. The latent prints
developed with this new nonflammable, environmentally-safe solvent, have
been found to be darker and sharper than when using other solvents
