Which of the following is NOT a basic guideline for preserving fingerprints?

• A. Avoid touching anything that may contain fingerprints
• B. Wearing gloves during handling
• C. Send fingerprints to lab for analysis
• D. Preserve items in a well packaged container

Answer: (B)

Preserving fingerprints means keeping the prints exactly as they are on an item, by preventing disturbance or contamination. The most direct preservation actions are those that minimize touching the surface and protect the item during transport, so the prints aren’t smudged or lost. Wearing gloves during handling, while important for preventing you from leaving your own prints and oils, isn’t a direct preservation step for the existing prints on that surface. It’s a safeguard for handling in general, but it doesn’t actively preserve the fingerprints already present. The other actions focus more squarely on keeping the prints intact: avoiding contact that could smudge or wipe them, and packaging the item properly to prevent damage or loss.