Sormenjälkinauhalla

Sormenjälkinauhalla, literally translated as "fingerprint tape" in Finnish, refers to a method or material used for lifting and preserving latent fingerprints. This technique is commonly employed in forensic science and crime scene investigation. The tape is designed to adhere to the fingerprint residue left on a surface, transferring it from the original object to the tape itself. This allows investigators to collect and transport the fingerprint evidence to a laboratory for further analysis.

The effectiveness of sormenjälkinauhalla relies on the adhesive properties of the tape and its ability to capture fine details of the fingerprint's ridges. Typically, clear or transparent tapes are preferred, as they facilitate easy viewing and photography of the lifted print. Once lifted, the tape bearing the fingerprint is usually affixed to a contrasting backing card or sheet to further enhance visibility and prevent damage. This method is particularly useful for non-porous surfaces where fingerprints are often left in the form of sweat or oil residue. It provides a less invasive and more efficient way to collect fingerprint evidence compared to older methods that might have involved dusting and then attempting to photograph the print in situ. The development and refinement of such tapes have played a significant role in improving the accuracy and reliability of fingerprint identification in criminal investigations.