An evaluation of inkjet printed amino acid fingerprint test targets for ninhydrin process monitoring ? and some observations

Ninhydrin was implemented as the primary police method of developing latent fingermarks on paper, cardboard and some other porous surfaces from late 1960s. Some researchers have used individual amino acids, or mixtures a testing effectiveness reagent formulations. It not however known whether simple acids could effectively emulate in reactions with reagents such ninhydrin. The first part this study compared effects ninhydrin fingermark treatments internationally various laboratories test targets created by inkjet printing graduated concentrations representative mixture series blocks paper. Variations intensity development were observed between which formulations heat humidity post treatment protocols. In further trial 2015 several participants International Fingerprint Research Group (IFRG) meeting processed their own submitted them for measurement. Again, variation developed observed. depletion activity solutions during use also investigated early evaluations targets. An established fingerprint laboratory then number samples batch to examine consistency. This followed designing new target enabled comparisons printed alongside split, natural donor fingermarks. A panel 20 donors provided four protocols used. scanned, measured, results evaluated three assessors using two types scale. Good correlation quality scores protocols, including deliberately downgraded concentrations. type evaluation carried out second time investigate modified routine control process verification would appear be far more accurate reliable than small numbers is clear why different latter work very optimum heating regimes.