Xanthull v. State
In Xanthull v. State (403 SW.2d 807) the defendant was convicted of the burglary of a lumber
company. A hammer on the floor behind the counter at the crime scene had been used to pry
open the cash box and the defendant’s palm print was found on the hammer. As in Kuhl, the
deputy (who qualified as an expert in fingerprints based on his education, training, and
experience) testified that palm prints were “biologically the same as the bulbar ridges on the end
of the finger”. The issue on appeal involved the question “was the court in error in allowing a
fingerprint expert to testify on palm prints”. The court (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas, 1966)
held that because he was qualified as a fingerprint expert and fully explained the fundamental
similarity between fingerprints and palm prints, the court did not err in permitting him to testify as
an expert on palm prints.
http://www.clpex.com/Articles/TheDetail/TheDetail82.htm 10-20-2004
Xylene and Xylene Substitutes
A laboratory solvent used as a carrier in reagents, also used as a clearing agent. Xylene is
considered a hazardous chemical. Over exposure can produce headaches, nausea or dizziness.
Xylene substitutes are available under different names that are less hazardous to the user.
Xylene is also known as xylol, dimethylbenzene, or mixed xylenes.
ZIMOX(YS)
A system used in South Africa to further sub-divide single fingerprint classifications based on
ridge count whereby each symbol Z,I,M,O,X,Y,S indicates a ridge count within a certain range.
E.g. Z = ridge count of 1-4, I = ridge count 5-8 etc. Used until AFIS automation in 2002.
Zar-pro
A method developed by Jessica Zarate to lift and visualize fingerprint images left in blood. Zar-pro is a florescent protein lifting strip made of titanium dioxide and fixative, available since 2010
and published in the 2011 May/June issue of the Journal of Forensic Identification. Due to
protein being present in latex gloves, Nitro gloves must be used. The images lifted are in
reversed position. Weak images may get stronger with time. Over long periods of time, images
may fade so photographing the images is needed. Zar-pro is nontoxic and can be used on both
porous and nonporous items.
Zinc Chloride
A fluorescent technique used to develop friction ridge detail on porous surfaces. Also used to
enhance latent prints that were developed with other methods.
A metal salt used to treat ninhydrin developed latent prints.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0
Zinc Nitrate
A metal salt used to treat ninhydrin developed latent prints.
SWGFAST, Glossary – Consolidated 09-09-03 ver. 1.0