Forensic Pocket Guide

Dye Stain

R.A.M.

1. Select an application method.

Tray immersion: Submerge item in R.A.M. solution.

Spray application: Evenly spray R.A.M. solution with a squirt bottle onto the item.

2. Allow item to air dry.

3. Ridges will develop a orange color and can be captured using 1:1 photography.

4. View ridge detail using a laser or forensic light source in the  415 – 530nm range with orange colored goggles.

5. Capture ridge detail using 1:1 photography and an orange barrier filter.

Flashlight Icon White - Freepik

View under

415 - 530nm

Safety Goggles Black

Goggles / Filter

Orange

Magnifying Glass with Fingerprint Black

Development Color

Yellow

FPG logo 5

PRO TIP: The R.A.M. solution may become unstable after 30 days. Be sure to check for separation and shake the container vigorously to return the dye to suspension. 

REFERENCES

Chesapeake Bay Division International Association of Identification. (2009). “Reagents: R.A.M.”. Retrieved from https://www.cbdiai.org/ram.html

FBI Laboratory Division. (2000). “Cyanoacrylate Fluorescent Dye (RAM)”, Processing Guide for Developing Latent Prints, pp. 19- 20. Retrieved from https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/jan2001/lpu.pdf