Farrugia Kevin J, Bandey Helen, Dawson Lorna, Daéid Niamh Nic
Centre for Forensic Science, WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XW, UK; Division of Forensic and Bio Sciences, School of Contemporary Sciences, University of Abertay, Bell Street, Dundee, DD1 1HG, UK.
J Forensic Sci. 2013 Nov;58(6):1472-85. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.12209. Epub 2013 Jun 20.
The use of chemical enhancement techniques on porous substrates, such as fabrics, poses several challenges predominantly due to the occurrence of background staining and diffusion as well as visualization difficulties. A range of readily available chemical and lighting techniques were utilized to enhance footwear impressions made in blood, soil, and urine on dark and patterned fabrics. Footwear impressions were all prepared at a set force using a specifically built footwear rig. In most cases, results demonstrated that fluorescent chemical techniques were required for visualization as nonfluorescent techniques provided little or no contrast with the background. Occasionally, this contrast was improved by oblique lighting. Successful results were obtained for the enhancement of footwear impressions in blood; however, the enhancement of footwear impressions in urine and soil on dark and patterned fabrics was much more limited. The results demonstrate that visualization and fluorescent enhancement on porous substrates such as fabrics is possible.
