FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

NAME: Balanquit, Cristina S. _______ DATE: December 3, 2022__

STUDENT NO.: 2020107048 SECTION: BSC
3F______

LABORATORY ACTIVITY #6
ULTRAVIOLET EXAMINATION

In this activity, the students will learn the application of ultraviolet examination in a
police operation.

Ultraviolet (UV) examination uses the concept of fluorescence. When a substance

absorbs energy in the form of light, it emits a visible color until the exposure ceases. This is
better viewed under darkness or low-level lighting conditions.

Generally, this examination is used for entrapment operations. UV powder is designed

and utilized for identification and detection. A money-bill is dusted with a UV powder. Once
touched, it will readily be transferred to a person’s hands and fingers.

I. Objective : To be able to understand the applications and limitations of ultraviolet

examination.

II. Materials :

ultraviolet powder long white mailing envelope

ultraviolet light bond paper with hand model
small paint brush money bills (old and new)

III. Instructions :

1. Apply ultraviolet powder on the money bills using a small paint brush.
2. Place the dusted money bills in a long white mailing envelope.
3. Hold the money bills (unfolded, folded and rolled).
4. In a dark area, use an ultraviolet light to see the presence of the ultraviolet powder.
5. Note the color change and location of the ultraviolet powder on a hand model using an
“X” mark.

IV. Illustrations : Use the hand model to show the location of the ultraviolet powder after
holding the dusted money bills and viewing under the ultraviolet light inside a dark area.
(use another sheet)
V. Observations : Indicate whether the UV powder is visible or invisible.

CONDITIONS OLD MONEY BILL NEW MONEY BILL

unfolded money bill visible visible
folded money bill invisible visible
Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing
Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

rolled money bill invisible visible

wet hands invisible invisible
hand shake visible visible

VI. Questions :

1. What is an entrapment operation?

Entrapment refers to the actions of a law enforcement official that persuade or encourage a
person to engage in an illegal act, which he would otherwise have been unlikely to commit.
A person charged with a crime he believes a police officer, or other law enforcement
official, convinced him to commit, may claim he was “entrapped,” or caught in a trap baited
by the police.
2. Where can you find the UV powder?
The UV powder comes in a range of 6 amazing colors, which are all reactive when exposed
to black-light. These luminescent colors will radiate and make your UV event the best one
around. The biodegradable powder comes with a lightweight feel and texture and provides
an intensified glow under UV light.

3. Can this UV powder be easily removed from the hands of a person (yes or no)?
No, you need to wash your hands properly.
4. What color change do you observe when viewing the ultraviolet powder under normal
condition and upon using ultraviolet light? The color became visible.

VII.Conclusion : What are the applications and limitations of ultraviolet examination?

Ultraviolet (UV) light technologies are used for multiple purposes in forensic investigations, including
authenticating paintings and other fine art, authenticating signatures, analyzing questioned documents ,
illuminating latent fingerprints at crime scenes and trace evidence on clothing, analyzing ink stains, and
revealing residual stains of body fluids .

Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing
Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

DORSAL SIDE
LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND

OBSERVED BY:
NAME:
WITNESSED BY:

PALMAR SIDE
LEFT HAND RIGHT HAND

Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder
FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

OBSERVED BY:
NAME:
WITNESSED BY:

Reference: Cejes and Libres-Etis (2014). Laboratory Manual for Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology First Edition. ChapterHouse Publishing Incorporated, Novaliches, Quezon City.
http://resources.culturalheritate.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2015/02/osg009-11.pdf
https://www.gloeffex.com/products/invisible-uv-theft-detection-powder