DNA Free Latent Print Processing

Posted by BB on 25th May 2022

DNA Free Latent Print Processing

Sources for DNA deposits at a crime scene can include any item that has come into contact with an individual or their bodily fluids (saliva, sweat, semen, etc.) (Blozis, 2010). Latent fingerprints often contain enough skin or sweat to provide a full DNA profile of the donor. Therefore, great attention must be given to the fingerprint brushes and powder used to lift these latent prints from a scene in order to avoid DNA contamination and cross-contamination. Nonetheless, it is common practice to use the same brush to powder different objects at different scenes (van Oorschot, Treadwell, Beaurepaire, Holding & Mitchell, 2005). Squirrel-hair brushes are frequently used in the United States to process latent fingerprints with black powder. A 2005 study conducted by Van Oorschot et al. tested the potential for DNA transfer with used brushes and powder. Some of the brushes used were used in casework, but others were purposely contaminated 8 with handprints, saliva, blood, or a mixture of the three. After analysis, both full and partial DNA profiles were recovered from used brushes and used powders, and transfer was occasionally seen between brushed surfaces (van Oorschot et al., 2005). Transfer was also noted between several subsequently brushed sheets of plastic following contact with dried saliva stains as well. Van Oorschot et al. (2005) advise all powder should be removed from the sample before amplification is performed, as powder presence seems to inhibit the PCR process. Overall, fingerprint brushes were shown to accumulate DNA and redeposit it to subsequently brushed items; this problem will worsen as DNA typing methods become more sensitive. Van Oorschot et al. (2005) provided recommendations to prevent contamination through fingerprint brushes or powder:

Use alternative techniques to develop fingerprints without making contact with the print.
Use separate, disposable brushes for powdering each object to avoid transfer.
Prepare and use separate aliquots of powder so the same container is not being used for long periods of time.
Avoid all contact with biological samples when possible.
Develop more extensive sterilization methods for fingerprint brushes.
Avoid applying powder to areas that you believe may be swabbed later for DNA collection.
Pay attention to the type and condition of surface being brushed.

Ref: Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science, Vol. 3 [2015], Art. 12 https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/themis/vol3/iss1/12... DOI: 10.31979/THEMIS.2015.0312 THEMIS 230

We've made that prevention recommendations easier to achieve with our Specialist DNA Free line of latent print processing products:

The Specialist line of DNA free powders feature a disposable 6" x 5" pouch containing 1/3 oz of DNA-Free fingerprint powder. This pouch was designed so that you could load your brush without making a mess or touching the powder. Each pouch is hermetically sealed and made DNA-Free by GAMMA radiation. Use in lifting latent fingerprints from crime scenes to help in the preservation of the integrity of the investigation and aid in the efficient pursuit of justice. All items are packaged to prevent contamination before use, and are meant to be used only once. These DNA free items provide the investigator with the tools to eliminate DNA cross contamination, but still process the scene with the tools that they require.

Our fiberglass Specialist DNA free fiber latent print brush is designed for crime scene investigators concerned with DNA cross contamination. Use this brush in lifting latent fingerprints from crime scenes to help preserve the integrity of the investigation and aid in the efficient pursuit of justice. All items are packaged to prevent contamination before use, and are meant to be used only once. These DNA free items provide the investigator with the tools to eliminate DNA cross contamination, but still process the scene with the tools that they require.