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Latent Print Examination » Questions from FP Experts for FP Experts... Processing, Testimony, and Technical Matters » Deceased identification - "Hand Boiling" method

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Webservant

Posted on Wednesday, October 05, 2005 - 09:44 am:

Rejuvenation of Dermis Ridge Detail on Cadaver Hands using Hot Water:

Hand boiling does not occur. A container of water is brought to a boil and then removed from heat just before immersion of the cadaver hands. Immersion should last for only five to ten seconds.

When the epidermis is absent and the dermis still present, the procedure described is often effective for rejuvenating/improving dermis ridge detail.

The technique was developed jointly between FBI and NY state experts after 9/11.

Darren Fisher

Posted on Tuesday, October 04, 2005 - 12:18 am:

I'm interested in obtaining some information regarding the "Hand Boiling" method used to assist in obtaining fingerprints from deceased persons.

Some of my colleagues worked on DVI in Thailand recently and this method was employed on victims in a severe state of decomposition. In most cases only the Dermal layer of skin was present.

My understanding (correct me if I'm wrong)is this method was developed by the FBI to identify some of the victims from 9/11.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Darren Fisher
Western Australia Police Fingerprint Bureau