The application of radioactive bromine isotopes for the visualisation of latent fingerprints

A vapour phase bromination procedure using80mBr and82Br has been investigated for reaction with unsaturated lipids present in a fingerprint deposit. The reaction is rapid and in combination with autoradiography provides a promising technique for the visualisation of latent fingerprints particularly under conditions which preclude the application of other methods. Preliminary work on the degradation of fingerprint constituents by UV and water is reported with comparative studies using the35SO2 reaction.