Fingerprinting is not a service provided by NFLS.

• The decision to proceed with fingerprinting or not rests with your investigative team.

• Your local forensic identification unit may provide this service or assist you in determining if the surface of the item is suitable for fingerprinting.

 

When conducting fingerprinting, avoid excessive handling of the exhibit, even while wearing gloves.

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Exhibit that require fingerprinting and examination at NFLS should be examined in the recommended order. 

• Except for the situations mentioned below, ensure all required fingerprinting is completed prior to submission. ​

• Examinations at the laboratory may remove fingerprint evidence. (i.e. swabbing, cutting, manipulation, etc.)

• For exhibits submitted to Firearms and Toolmark Examination, fingerprinting and swabbing items for DNA are normally done prior to submission. 

Exceptions:

• Items sealed for the examination of explosives and/or accelerants and items submitted to the National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau should generally not undergo fingerprinting prior to laboratory analysis. 

• When in doubt, contact the FAC for more information.

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An evaluation of the effects of common fingerprint and blood enhancement chemicals has shown no interference with the recovery of DNA remaining on an item following treatment.