Assessment of the possibility of DNA accumulation and transfer in a superglue chamber

Fingerprints may contain DNA, albeit generally at low levels. It is therefore a possibility that DNA may be transferred from a print or other biological material on an exhibit being fingerprinted to an unrelated article during the application of fingerprint techniques where multiple items are processed together or after each other. One such technique is superglue fuming. This study shows that DNA can accumulate both outside and inside of a superglue fuming chamber and that DNA can transfer from one exhibit to another. Although the level of cross-contamination may be considered too low to be of great concern in most cases, any transfer has the potential to interfere with further investigation and justice outcomes. In the future, the use of more sensitive DNA profiling technologies will further increase the detectability of trace DNA contaminants. Recommendations on how the risk of contamination may be reduced are provided for consideration.