Reagent
Silver Nitrate
1. Select an application method.
Tray immersion: Submerge item in Silver Nitrate solution for 5 seconds.
Brush application: Brush Silver Nitrate solution onto surface until coated.
2. Allow item to air dry completely.
3. Expose item to sunlight or using a UV light at 366nm for 10 – 60 minutes. Continuously monitor development.
4. Ridges will develop a dark brown color.
5. Capture ridge detail using 1:1 photography as soon as possible (surface background may develop overtime).
View under
Normal Vision
Goggles / Filter
None
Development Color
Brown
PRO TIP: An alcohol-based silver nitrate solution may be beneficial for processing items that may repel a water-based mixed (e.g. waxed paper, cardboard with wax finish, or styrofoam).
REFERENCES
DEA Office of Forensic Sciences. (2020). “29.0 Silver Nitrate”, Latent Print Examination Manual, pp. 140 – 141. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/2020%20Latent%20Print%20Examination%20Manual%20DEA.pdf
FBI Laboratory Division. (2000). “Silver Nitrate”, Processing Guide for Developing Latent Prints, pp. 38 – 39. Retrieved from https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/jan2001/lpu.pdf