TapeGlo Fluorescent
Dye
Introduction
TapeGlo™ is a fluorescent
dye for developing latent prints on the adhesive side of tape.
After treating the tape with TapeGlo™, a Forensic Light
Source or laser is used to visualize the latent prints. TapeGlo™
is a pre-mixed solution and is safe to use in an office without
the use of a fume hood. The solution is water based and is a
slight irritant to the eyes and perhaps to the skin of sensitive
people. TapeGlo™ can be reused. Pour the excess solution
from the tray back into the bottle. Store at room temperature
in a dark bottle. TapeGlo™ has an indefinite shelf life,
however, it should be replaced annually to insure potency.
Safety
As with any new chemical
process, read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet
on all of the chemicals involved. Practice normal industrial
hygienic procedures of wearing lab coats, protective gloves,
and goggles, if there is any risk of splashing the solution
into the eyes. If the solution is going to be used for long
periods of time or on large surfaces, it is recommended that
it be done with adequate ventilation.
Processing Instructions
for Plastic-Backed Adhesive Tape
Select a clean, plastic or glass tray
that is large enough to accommodate the length of the evidence
tape. Place the tape in the tray with the adhesive side up.
Pour enough TapeGlo™ to cover the tape. Allow the TapeGlo™
to remain on the tape for about 10-15 seconds. Remove the
tape from the tray and rinse in water. Distilled water is
preferred but not required.
- Alternate Process One
Use a disposable foam applicator or an inexpensive camelhair
brush to gently brush TapeGlo™ onto the adhesive surface.
Rinse and examine.
- Alternate Process Two
Place TapeGlo™ liquid in a pump spray bottle and spray
TapeGlo™ onto the adhesive surface. Be sure that the
adhesive surface is completely covered with a thin layer of
TapeGlo™. Rinse and examine.
Processing Instructions
for Cloth or Paper-Backed Adhesive Tape
Place the tape in a container of fresh,
clean water. Distilled water is preferred. Allow the tape to
become saturated, about 30 seconds. Select a clean, plastic
or glass tray that is large enough to accommodate the length
of the evidence tape. Place the tape in the tray with the adhesive
side up. Pour enough TapeGlo™ to cover the tape. Allow
the TapeGlo™ to remain on the tape for about 10-15 seconds.
Remove the tape from the tray and rinse in water. Distilled
water is preferred but not required.
- Alternate Process One
Use a disposable foam applicator or an inexpensive camelhair
brush to gently brush TapeGlo™ onto the adhesive surface.
Rinse and examine.
- Alternate Process Two
Place TapeGlo™ liquid in a pump spray bottle and spray
TapeGlo™ onto the adhesive surface. Be sure that the
adhesive surface is completely covered with a thin layer of
TapeGlo™. Rinse and examine.
Examination
Dim the room lights and
examine the tape for latent prints by using the 488 nm setting
on the SceneSweeper™ Argon Ion Laser or the 450 nm setting
on a Forensic Light Source. View the tape while wearing orange
goggles. It is not necessary to allow the tape to dry before
viewing it under a light source.
Photography
To photograph the fluorescent-developed
latent prints, duplicate the arrangement by which the best contrast
was viewed with the eye. Include a fluorescent scale in the
photograph next to the evidence. Use the wavelength, the color
of viewing goggles and the angle of the light source to obtain
the best photograph. Using a fine-grain black and white film
with a medium ƒ-stop (ƒ/8 or ƒ/11) will give
a photograph showing highly defined ridge details. The ridges
of the latent print will be white and the background will be
dark in the resulting photograph.
To reverse the color of
fluorescent-developed latent prints, take the photographs using
slide film, such as Polaroid PolaPan, to see the results in
just a few minutes. Print the slide film on regular black and
white photo paper to see the ridges dark and the background
light. For additional information on photography of fluorescent
latent prints, see our Fluorescent Photography technical note.
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