Forensic Pocket Guide

Dye Stain

Acid Violet 17

1. The prints or footwear impression must be set prior to the application to prevent loss of detail. 

2. Select an application method. 

Tray immersion: Submerge item Acid Violet 17 solution for 1 minute.

Spray application: Spray Acid Violet 17 solution onto item until coated.

3. Rinse with water or Acid Violet 17 Rinse/Destain and allow the item to air dry.

4. Ridges will develop a purple color and can be captured using 1:1 photography. 

5. Lift the print with a white gelatin lifter. 

6. View the print using a forensic light source in the 490 – 575nm range with red goggles. 

7. Capture ridge detail using 1:1 photography and a red barrier filter.

Flashlight Icon White - Freepik

View under

490 - 575nm

Safety Goggles Black

Goggles / Filter

Red

Magnifying Glass with Fingerprint Black

Development Color

Purple

REFERENCES

Yamashita, B., & French, M. (2010). Fingerprint Sourcebook – Chapter 7: Latent Print Development. Retrieved from https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/225327.pdf

TriTech Forensics. (2021). Latent Print Fluorescent Stain –  Acid Violet 17: Product Description. Retrieved from https://tritechforensics.com/che-1526-acid-violet-17-latent-print-fluorescent-stain