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Does anyone know if any of the adhesive removers (Un-du, Sirchie, etc) inhibit DNA evidence? I seem to remember a JFI or JFS article that references this, but I can't find it. Thanks!

-Hillary Moses

The following articles have dealt with the use of the Un-Du solution. I do not know if they address the DNA aspect as I no longer have access to these journals and can not review the complete article content.

"The Use of Un-du to Separate Adhesive Materials", Diana Molina, JFI 57:5 (2007) Comment: Application of gentian violet, Sticky-side powder and Wetwop techniques following Un-du exposure

"Adhesive Tape Separation with Un-du®", Jon T. Stimac, Fingerprint Whorld, 26:102 (2000) Comment: Title is self-explanatory

"The Effects of Un-Du® on Latent Print Development", Rebecca L. Schwartz, Lori C. Higginbotham and Denise R. Smith, Fingerprint Whorld, 29:112 (2003) Comment: Tests done with various processing techniques and results - little adverse effects if done properly

BTW. this information is taken from my reference index of some 2900+ article/papers that I maintained for several years from journals/periodical/unpublished papers, etc., that I had access to over my 38 years of associations. However, I am no longer actively engaged in any forensic applications, professional organizations or agencies.

There is a link on this site (Hamm’s Reference Index) that permitted individuals to search for information, but the link is no longer working (Note: Webmaster). It was originally set up under the redwop.com (powder spelled backwards) website from data contained in my Excel file of citations provided when I was associated with Armor Forensics. The link was migrated to other sites established by Armor Forensics and was suppose to have been continued as a resource service by Forensics Source, but I can not find any link on their site and the original site (http://www.redwop.com) is no longer. I am no longer associated with the organization, so I do not know want happened with the resource service.

However, if any individual would like the Excel file, please let me know (erniehamm@yahoo.com) and I will provide a copy. Again, it is no longer being maintained, but articles were indexed into early 2009. While a large file (2968 entries), it only 695 kb in size. So, if you ever want to know how to process an onion or a banana leaf, the information is available. The file only provides direction to a source for the information (publication and author) and a brief comment about the article’s content.

Well, the link on this site is back up, sort of. I did a test query and did not get any results on "Un-du" which should locate articles in the file.

You could always swab the non-adhesive side of the item prior to using any methods to loosen up the adhesive surface(s).